Is It Permissible to Use a Fake Certificate for a Job Interview?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Is it permissible to use a fake certificate to qualify for a job interview, even if I have the necessary skills and earned the position on merit?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
Honesty
In Islam, honesty and integrity are paramount in all aspects of life, including professional endeavors. Presenting a fake certificate to qualify for a job interview, even if you possess the requisite skills and merit, is impermissible. This act constitutes deceit and falsehood, which are explicitly prohibited in Islamic teachings.
Allah (Most High) commands:
“O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are truthful.” [Quran, 21:36]
Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized the gravity of false testimony and persistently warned against it.
Forged Certificates
Using a forged certificate involves lying and deceiving potential employers, and undermines the trust essential in professional relationships. Such actions can lead to unjust outcomes, depriving others of the opportunities they deserve.
If one has engaged in this behavior, sincere repentance is essential. This includes feeling genuine remorse, ceasing the dishonest act immediately, and never returning to it. Additionally, one should seek forgiveness from Allah and rectify any wrongs committed.
When seeking employment, it is crucial to rely on authentic qualifications and honest representations of one’s abilities. Trust in Allah’s provision and maintain integrity, for sustenance obtained through deceit lacks true blessing.
May Allah guide us to uphold truthfulness and integrity in all our affairs.
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
