The curse of bribery

The curse of bribery

In French the word ‘bribe’ was originally used for a piece of bread given to a beggar. Now, this word has nothing to do with beggars or pieces of bread. Bribe is the money or some other thing, offered to someone in order to get illegal and undeserved favours.

Bribe is offered only to those who hold some office of importance and influence, and can oblige their clients. Sometimes bribe is offered willingly, sometimes it is received forcibly. Sometimes you bribe an officer for getting an undue advantage, sometimes you have to pay this compulsory fee for obtaining your right.

Bribery is perhaps the greatest curse that corrupts a society. It is dishonestly, deceit and coercion. Those who accept or demand and those who offer bribes are the enemies of the people and the country. They sin both against Allah and man. They break the laws of the country and deny the people their rights. They encourage injustice and dishonesty.

The government that is run by corrupt officials is the worst of all forms of government. The government is responsible for administering the country and not destroying it. The first duty of the government is to look after the welfare of the people. If its officials treat the people badly and cruelly in order to get bribes, there is no use of the government.

No one wants to part with his money. If he gives it to some official, he does so because he is forced to do it. He may do so for getting what is not his or he is forced to buy an officer’s attention for getting his right.

If we want to establish Islamic system of social justice in Pakistan, evils like bribery will have to be wiped out as soon as possible. Bribery is a curse of unjust society and it causes further injustice.

A person who accepts or demands bribery is a dangerous person. He looks after his own selfish interest only, and ignores all other things. He does not believe in any principle or values. He has no place in a free and just society. He must be eliminated the sooner, the better.