When Is It Obligatory To Inform Authorities of Someone Cheating in an Exam?

Question:

When is it obligatory to inform authorities of someone cheating in an exam?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

When cheating in an exam would result in someone taking someone else’s rights, it is obligatory to stop that by informing the authorities. If the authorities do nothing, one is no longer responsible.

For example, in a case where someone cheats on an exam and takes a job that someone else would have received, then one must tell the school, exam board, or employers that the person cheated so that the employers and/or other candidates for the position are not harmed by the person’s deceit.

If however, it does not result in taking anyone else’s rights, then it is not obligatory to inform anyone else.

Please see other answers related to cheating:

https://seekers.flywheelstaging.com/answers/calling-to-islam/cheating-on-exams/
https://seekers.flywheelstaging.com/answers/general-counsel/what-do-i-do-when-my-parent-forces-me-to-cheat/
https://seekers.flywheelstaging.com/answers/general-counsel/is-there-a-kaffara-for-cheating-on-an-exam/

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid Dingle

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language.