Is Taking Gift Money From My Supplier Bribery?

Answered by Shaykh Umer Mian

Question: Assalam’aleykum

I have selected one supplier on a strictly merit basis.

The supplier offered me then some money which I didn’t accept. He still insists on me accepting this money because he is very happy to get this order.

Please tell me if it is a bribe and shall or not I accept this money?

Answer: Wa alaikum as-salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu

Please read this answer for a detailed explanation of the fiqh of bribes.

The passage that specifically covers your situation is the following:

“And if he saw to the persons need without any condition or greed for anything in return and was in return presented with a gift, this is permissible for him to take and there is no harm in it, and what is related from Ibn Mas’ud concerning the dislike of such a gift is but scruples.”

Wassalam,
Umer

Photo: Jim Fischer