ARE WE ALLOWED TO CHEAT IN EXAM WHEN MY INSTITUTE ITSELF IS MAKING US CHEAT ? BUT THE DEGREE WE GET IS FROM A COLLEGE LOCATED IN INDIA AND I DO THE DEGREE THROUGH AN INSTITUTE IN QATAR?

In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate.

May His blessings and peace be on His Beloved Prophet, the best of creation, and his family, companions and followers.

Assalāmu `alaikum Warahmatullāhi Wabrakatuh,

The characteristic of a true Muslim is to be truthful and honest. It does not meet the terms of a Muslim to speak lies and cheat. Those are the character of a hypocrite. It is truthfulness and honesty that leads a person to know Allah and get close to Allah.

A liar and a cheater are deprived of the closeness to Allah and the true acknowledgment of Allah Most High. Truthfulness and honesty is not limited to the issues of faith. It is in all areas of life; truthfulness in one transactions, truthfulness in one’s family and acquaintances. Truthfulness in education and examination reflects the real value of a Muslim. To cheat in exams and falsely obtain a degree is a hideous act.

If a person cheats and lies in one issue, that will lead him to lies in another issue. It is a common saying, “a liar will have to speak ten lies to defend one lie”.

Nevertheless, the issue of the earning being halal with a fraud degree depends on the service provided.

And Allah knows best

[Mufti] Mohammad Farhan
AskMufti.us
Long Island, NY, USA

March 22, 2012