Assalamualaikum,I am Raisa. I am doing M.Sc engineering in computer science. I want to have halal earning. But I am confused about something. One of my friends works in a university as lecturer. He told me that his university has given circular for new teacher. He told me to apply. I have applied for this job. They will take a written test and then viva. My friend has told me that he will talk to the university authority for me so that they choose me for this job. He also wants to give me the question paper of written test. Actually he wants to help me to get the job. But my question is , will it be right or wrong ? Should I take his help? I am living in such a country where getting job is very difficult without reference or bribe. I have firmly decided that I will not give any money for any job. But should I take the job with my friend’s help as there will be more candidates like me. I am badly in need of a job right now because I am the only daughter of my parents. My father has been retired. I have no brother and no sister. I will have to bear my family now. Can you please advise me?

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

It is not permissible for him to help you cheat and deceive (others), such as giving you the exam papers before the interview (the test), and you are not permitted to accept that from him.

As for his mediation with the university to choose you, then there are some details about this.

It is not permissible to mediate in government universities and public sector institutions if it results in hiring someone who is not competent or someone who does not deserve to be hired or if it entails giving priority to someone with lower qualifications over someone with higher (and better) qualifications.

Jobs are public rights, and the person in charge is required to act for the interest of these universities and institutions and not to favor any person because of family relationship or friendship, or a bribe he will receive or anything else.

As regards private universities and departments in the private sector, it is permissible to mediate in them for those who qualified to do the job, even if there is another candidate who is more qualified for the job, provided that would not involve cheating the employer. Rather, the academic level (capabilities) of the applicant should be made known to the employer, and then if the candidate was hired and other candidates were refused while they are better than him/her, then the matter would be decided by the employer as he is not obliged to employ a specific person.

As regards what you mentioned about the need for work and the difficulty of obtaining it in that country, then this does not render forbidden cheating and cooperating in sin and falsehood permissible.

For more benefit, please refer to Fataawa 81356, 89542, 365545, and 82217.

Allah knows best.