Meaning, Forms and Effects of Corruption in Islam for JSS 1

Corruption

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to demonstrate the following performance objectives:

1. explain corruption from Islamic perspectives;
2. identify forms of corruption;
3. state the effect of corruption in society.

Memory Verse

وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا أَمْوَالَكُم بَيْنَكُم بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتُدْلُوا بِهَا إِلَى الْحُكَّامِ لِتَأْكُلُوا فَرِيقًا مِّنْ أَمْوَالِ النَّاسِ بِالْإِثْمِ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

“And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is wrong].” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:188)

Qur’an Reading

The principal Qur’anic passages supporting the lesson on corruption are:

1. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188)
2. Surah Al-A’raf (7:56)
3. Surah Al-Qasas (28:77)
4. Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:42)

Meaning of Corruption from the Islamic Perspective

In Islam, corruption is referred to as Fasad, which is defined as any act of deviation from justice, righteousness, and the natural state of goodness, leading to decay, ruin, or harm in society.

The concept of corruption in Islamic teachings extends beyond financial crimes. It encompasses moral, spiritual, social, and administrative misconduct. Islam teaches that the earth was created in a state of order, balance, and purity. Any human action that disrupts this balance, violates the rights of others, or misuses authority is considered an act of Fasad.

Another key term related to corruption in Islamic jurisprudence is Akl al-Amwal bil-Batil, which means the unlawful acquisition or consumption of other people’s wealth. This includes any transaction or gain obtained through dishonest, exploitative, or illegal means. Islam emphasizes that wealth must only be acquired through clean, honest, and mutually agreed-upon labor or trade.

In Islamic theology, public office and leadership are viewed as a sacred trust, known as Amanah. When individuals in positions of authority use their power for personal gain rather than public service, they betray this trust. This betrayal is viewed as a severe spiritual offense that carries consequences in both this life and the Hereafter.

Forms of Corruption

Corruption manifests in various ways within communities, schools, and governments. Islam explicitly identifies and condemns these practices to preserve justice and social order.

Bribery (Rishwah)

Bribery, known as Rishwah in Arabic, is the act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in charge of a public or legal duty.

This practice subverts justice by allowing those with financial means to bypass laws, obtain unearned advantages, or deprive others of their rightful dues. In Islamic law, both the giver and the receiver of a bribe are held equally guilty. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) strongly condemned this act, stating that the curse of Allah is upon the one who pays a bribe and the one who takes it.

Nepotism (Al-Mahsubiyyah)

Nepotism is the practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives, friends, or associates by giving them jobs, contracts, or privileges, regardless of their merit or qualifications.

In Islam, appointments to public office, employment, or any position of responsibility must be based strictly on competence, honesty, and merit. When an unqualified person is chosen over a qualified person simply because of family ties or friendship, the rights of the qualified individual are violated, and the quality of public service declines. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned that appointing an unqualified person over others when a more competent person is available is a betrayal of Allah, His Messenger, and the Muslim community.

Dishonesty (Al-Khiyanah)

Dishonesty, which includes Khiyanah (betrayal of trust), is the act of being untruthful, cheating, stealing, or deceiving others to gain an unfair advantage.

This form of corruption occurs in business, academic environments, and daily interactions. Examples include using false weights and measures in trade, cheating in examinations, leaking official secrets, and embezzling public funds. Islam demands absolute transparency and truthfulness in all dealings. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized this by stating that a person who cheats or deceives others cannot be considered a true member of the community.

Observe the diagram below showing how these forms of corruption undermine the foundation of trust in society.

Consequences of Corruption

The effects of corruption are devastating and far-reaching, affecting both the spiritual well-being of individuals and the physical development of the society.

The consequences of corruption based on the Qur’an and Hadith include:

1. Loss of Allah’s Pleasure and Blessings: Corrupt individuals lose the mercy and love of Allah. The Qur’an states clearly that Allah does not love those who spread mischief and corruption on the earth.
2. Rejection of Prayers (Du’a): Islamic teachings state that wealth acquired through corrupt means makes a person’s food, drink, and clothing unlawful. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explained that the prayers and supplications of a person who feeds on unlawful gains will not be accepted by Allah.
3. Punishment in the Hereafter: Wealth acquired through corruption will become a source of punishment in the grave and on the Day of Judgment. The fire of Hell is declared as the destination for bodies nourished by unlawful earnings.
4. Destruction of Social Trust: When bribery, nepotism, and dishonesty become common, people lose trust in public institutions, leaders, and one another. This leads to suspicion, hatred, and social instability.
5. Deprivation of the Poor and Vulnerable: Corruption diverts resources meant for public development—such as schools, hospitals, and roads—into private pockets. This worsens poverty and deprives qualified individuals of employment and educational opportunities.
6. Economic and Social Decay: Societies that tolerate corruption experience poor infrastructure, high crime rates, and lack of development, as merit is ignored and public funds are stolen.

Evaluation Guide

The evaluation guide contains the following questions for assessment:

1. Define corruption from the Islamic perspective, using the term Fasad.
2. List and explain three major forms of corruption discussed in the lesson.
3. State three spiritual and three social effects of corruption on a society.