Bribery

Bribery implies soliciting an improper favor or action in exchange for an improper or unlawful gift or payment. In almost all societies across the globe, bribery is widespread, albeit with varying degrees of public acquiescence. Islam prohibits extortion categorically and leaves its punishment to the state’s discretion based on the circumstances and severity of the offense. Some democratic states have legalized political bribery, but Islam prohibits it in all circumstances. In extreme circumstances, if a person is compelled to bribe for a just cause or purpose, the recipient bears responsibility for the offense because they demanded the bribe. Therefore, scholars have developed various categories of bribery and corruption with varying degrees of severity and punishments.