Prohibition of treasury and bribery

Q 4: A truck driver was carrying unlicensed cargo. On his way, he was stopped by some police officers who demanded his driving license as well as the license of the cargo. Producing none of them, they said that they would confiscate both the truck and the cargo. At the end, they asked him to pay a sum of money in return for letting him go away with the truck and the cargo. Is this money considered a bribe or not? (Part No. 23; Page No. 553

A: If the reality is as you have mentioned, it is Haram (prohibited) for the said driver to pay any of the money required. Likewise, it is Haram for the police officers who arrested the driver to ask him for money or to accept his offer, because this is bribe and breach of trust. This is based on the general proofs indicating the prohibition of treachery and bribe, which involve great evil and bring noxious consequences.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.