Corruption and bribery.

In this discussion, we will analyze a deep and widespread problem — corruption and bribery. This disease not only causes economic damage to a state, but also destroys justice, democracy, public trust, and the fundamental rights of the people. In this discussion, we will deeply examine how the Islamic state system provides an effective and far-reaching solution to this problem.

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Corruption and bribery are a poisonous virus that has penetrated every crevice of the modern state system. Police, judges, bureaucrats, politicians — even professions like teachers and doctors are today entangled in the web of corruption. From development projects to court rulings — the game of transactions, favoritism, and nepotism is going on everywhere. If you go to get work done in a government office, the file does not move unless you pay the ‘top dollar’. And a class of corrupt groups eat up commissions worth crores of taka in high-level contracts and policy-making.

This situation is not just economic; it is a moral disaster that is structurally breaking down society. When people see that criminals are not punished but are saved by bribery, they lose faith in the state. The very concept of justice disappears. Eventually, corruption becomes the norm, and honesty becomes the exception. This reality not only affects democracy and administration, but also the morality of society.

But Islam has completely banned this corruption and identified it as a terrible crime. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "The curse of Allah is upon both the giver and the receiver." (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi). This hadith makes it clear unequivocally that bribery is not the crime of the guilty person alone; those who cooperate with him are also equally guilty.

In the Islamic state, the fight against corruption is not only through law or repression, but consists of three levels: morality, justice, and administrative accountability.

First, moral education: In the Islamic social system, every person is raised on the basis of fear and piety of Allah. This is not a whimsical religious consciousness, but a powerful self-control mechanism. When a person understands that Allah is watching his every action, and that he will have to answer for it on the Day of Judgment, he refrains from doing wrong, even if no one is watching. This attitude is the greatest spiritual deterrent against bribery and corruption.

Secondly, Justice and Punishment: The Islamic state considers bribery and corruption as criminal offenses and provides for strict punishment to prevent them. If the Qazi (Islamic judge) finds evidence that a person has abused his power or accepted bribes, he can face punishments such as fines, dismissal, and even imprisonment. During the Caliphate of Rashida, Hazrat Umar (RA) dismissed a governor because he was living an unnecessary luxurious life, although there was no direct evidence of bribery. This is because Islam demands from administrators not only legitimacy, but also honesty and devotion to the Ummah.

Third, Administrative Accountability and Transparency: In the Islamic state system, the ruler and officials are accountable to the people. The income, assets and activities of every official are under state surveillance. During the era of Hazrat Umar (RA), if an official suddenly became rich, the state would confiscate his assets unless he could prove the legitimate source. Even Hazrat Umar himself, when he migrated to Medina, declared in front of the companions, "If I do wrong, will you not make me right?" A companion stood up and said, "By Allah, if you are crooked, I will make you straight with this sword." This attitude is a reflection not only of the people, but also of the moral structure of the state.

Moreover, the Islamic state, in addition to stopping bribery, provides people with suitable employment and fair wages for their livelihood. Because poverty or sudden pressure of demand pushes many towards bribery. Islam also provides a solution in this regard. The state treasury, Baitul Mal, helps the poor, the disabled, and those in crisis. As a result, the primary incentives for corruption are greatly reduced.

Another important aspect is that in an Islamic state, all litigants, rich or poor, are given equal status. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) once said, "If my daughter Fatima were to steal, I would cut off her hand." (Sahih Bukhari). This equality and unwavering justice are the main foundation for cutting off the roots of corruption.

Today's so-called democratic or secular state system creates institutions in the name of combating corruption, but those institutions also become corrupt. When one party comes to power, it files a case against the other party; and the real godfathers of corruption get away with it. Such dramas do not happen in an Islamic state system. There, law, morality, and accountability work together.

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So it turns out that Islam has put in place a complete and practical system to address the serious problem of corruption and bribery — a combination of spiritual purification, legal punishment, and administrative transparency. It not only suppresses crime, but also instills a sense of justice in the veins of society.