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Question
Assalamualaykum, I have a question. I admit this is my mistake and I’m regretting it right now. Back when I was in high school, i cheated on the final examination for 5 subject out of 8 subjects. I didn’t think much back then but now it’s bothering me. Out of all that subject, i can say i cheated most on 3 subjects, and this one subject which is a must pass subject. I can’t be certain if I’d pass if I didn’t cheat because we only know our grades not our real mark. Also I’ve been dealing of uncertainty what if i cheated more than i could remember, because if i cheated more than there’s a possibility I’d fail or get a grade below C. Now i already further my study but the qualifications for this diploma is to get 5 C and a pass in History, whilst i can only ensure I’ll get 3c and not certain about history. Now it’s really troubling me because what if i actually dont even deserve to further my study if i didnt cheat. We can actually repeat that exam for subjects that we want to improve our mark and I’m planning to apply for mathematics and history for next year. I’m also anxious because I’ve read opinion from other scholars website about ruling on using certificate that one cannot obtained if he didn’t cheat, then that person needs to admit this to university administration whether they’ll revoke his degree or not. My question is, 1. In my situation, do i need to admit this to my university administration too? Because i can repeat the exam and also I’ve performing good in my classes more than my classmates. 2. if i perform a taubah and repeat that subjects, can I continue my study until i graduate? And will using my high school certificate and diploma then would be permissible? Jazakallah khair
Answer
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
حامدا و مصليا و مسلما
Muhtaram
We have received your query regarding cheating in an exam, our response is as follows:
Truthfulness is a distinguishing sign of a believer.[1] It is not possible that a Muslim lies or deceives. It is mentioned in Saheeh Bukhari:
ويأمرنا بالصلاة والزكاة والصدق والعفاف والصلة
“He (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam) commands us to perform Salah, giver Zakaat, be truthful, remain chaste, and to join ties of kinship.” (Bukhaari – Hadeeth number 7)
In another Hadeeth, Rasulullah sallallahu alai wa sallam metions:
من غش فليس منا
“Anyone who deceives/cheats is not from amongst us.” (Tirmidhi 1315)
You should sincerely beg from Allah Ta’ala and make Tawbah for cheating. The income received will be Halal as one is receiving payment in lieu of the service performed.[2]
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Answered by:
Muhammad Irshad Motara
20th Safr 1446
25th August 2024
[1] فتاوى محمودية: ج ١٨، ص ٤٧٧-فاروقية
أحسن الفتاوى: ج ٨، ص ١٩٨
[2] (الْمَادَّةُ ٤٢٥) الْأَجِيرُ يَسْتَحِقُّ الْأُجْرَةَ إذَا كَانَ فِي مُدَّةِ الْإِجَارَةِ حَاضِرًا لِلْعَمَلِ
وَمَعْنَى كَوْنِهِ حَاضِرًا لِلْعَمَلِ أَنْ يُسَلِّمَ نَفْسَهُ لِلْعَمَلِ وَيَكُونَ قَادِرًا وَفِي حَالِ تَمَكُّنِهِ مِنْ إيفَاءِ ذَلِكَ الْعَمَلِ.
(درر الحكام شرح مجلة الاحكام: ج ٢، ص ٣٨٦)
(المادة ٤٦٩): تلزم الأجرة باستيفاء المنفعة مثلا لو استأجر أحد دابة على ان يركبها الى محل ثم ركبها ووصل الى ذلك المحل يستحق آجرها الأجرة
(درر الحكام شرح مجلة الاحكام: ج ٢، ص ٤٥١)