Circumventing Government Regulations

Question: A man purchased a work contract under a name that is not his own, obtained a passport in that assumed name, and now intends to perform Hajj with it. Is such a pilgrimage valid or not? What is the Islamic ruling on this act, which is a form of fraud against state regulations? And what is the ruling on the money he earns through this method?

Answer: A Muslim is obliged to be truthful in all dealings, to uphold trustworthiness, and never to behave deceitfully or fraudulently—especially toward regulations established for people’s welfare and the orderly conduct of their affairs. It is therefore impermissible for anyone to devise schemes to circumvent these regulations, mislead officials, violate the system, or lie; such behavior involves several grave violations.

Any income obtained by this route is an ignoble gain. A Muslim must remain truthful, transact truthfully, and make truthfulness his constant practice. Allah will provide for and assist him, as He says: “Whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make a way out for him and provide for him from where he never expected” (Surah al-Ṭalāq, 2–3).

As for the fact that you performed Hajj and earned money by means of this deception, the Hajj itself is valid in and of itself if you observed its rulings and fulfilled what Allah has made obligatory therein. However, you are accountable for the wrongdoing and trickery, and you must repent to Allah for such conduct.

Likewise, any earnings are lawful so long as they involve no forbidden transaction, no fraud, and no ribā (prohibited interest), and as long as they are honorable in themselves. Still, the method you adopted and the deception you employed to obtain them are impermissible and sinful. And Allah knows best.