Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
I develop applications and online tools. I am trying to sell my tool to a company but the person who approves the contract is asking me to give him a cut for approving it or else he will reject it.
Answer:
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for contacting Mathabah.
The described situation is one of bribery. It is not permitted in Islam to give or take a bribe. My advice is to report the person to the company heads about his illegal activities, and refrain from participating in fraud.
When we do our transactions as per Islamic requirements, there will always be blessings and barakah in the earnings.
“Do not cooperate in sin and aggression; and be mindful of God!” – (Qur’ān 5:2) [1]
“The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) cursed the one who bribes and the one who takes bribes.” – (Abū Dāwūd 3580) [2]
Only Allāh knows best.
[1] وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ – المائدة ٢
[2] لَعَنَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم الرَّاشِيَ وَالْمُرْتَشِي – رواه أبو داؤد ٣٥٨٠