There are hundreds or even thousands of corruption cases involving officials and power holders in Indonesia that have been witnessed by the people. What exactly makes this behavior difficult to disappear from the country? Is it possible that we as part of the people also commit corruption in small things in our daily lives? Friends … it seems, we need to know what forms of corruption we may not realize we have committed.
Types of Corruption in Islam
Islam has defined corruption in great detail. In fact, there are various forms of corruption that may be missed by most Muslims. Therefore, we need to know what these forms of corruption are, so that we can avoid this heinous act.
The following types of corruption according to Islam are found in the Qur’an. Among others:
1. Ghulul
“It is not possible for a prophet to betray (ghulul) in the matter of war booty. Whoever betrays the booty, then on the Day of Resurrection he will come with what he betrayed, then each one will be recompensed for what he has done, and they will not be wronged.” (QS. Ali ‘Imran: 161)
Ghulul comes from the word ghalla yaghullu ghallan ghululan which means Khana or betrayal, taking something secretly. Ghulul can also mean abuse of office, theft of funds before they are distributed, including social safety net funds.
Ghulul also means cheating in Indonesian. Cheating in this case means when someone takes something secretly and then collects it with their personal belongings (dishonest).
An example of ghulul corruption is when a tax official manipulates a company’s tax calculation so that the company pays less tax. The employee then gets material benefits such as money or others from the company owner. These are the forms of ghulul corruption in everyday life.
The above verse also gives a message to humans that if we have the opportunity to occupy a noble place (official, etc.), then do not commit corruption, taking what is not right.
Read also: Is it True that Sadaqah or Infaq with Haram Money Can Clear the ‘Sin’?
2. Akl al-Mal bi al-Bathil
“And let not some of you eat of the wealth of others among yourselves by means of unlawful means, and let not your affairs be brought before a judge, that you may eat of the wealth of others by way of sin, while you know.” (QS. Al-Baqarah: 188)
The above verse describes a form of corruption in the form of akl al-mal bi al-bathil or eating wealth by false means. Eating property by wrong means means getting property by improper means.
What are some examples of this? All kinds of fraud, forgery, deception, and so on. For example, a merchant sells samples of the best high-quality products. However, after the purchase agreement is made, the goods delivered are actually of lower quality than the sample product.
Or, for example, a staple food in the community such as cooking oil is deliberately hoarded in the hope that the price in the community will soar. In fact, people really need it for their daily lives to sell.
That is a form of corruption akl al-mal bi al-bathil or eating wealth from false means. Through the Qur’an, Allah Swt always warns humans to eat halal food that is good and clean in accordance with human nature.
3. Sariqah
The term sariqah form of corruption is found in the Qur’an surah Al-Maidah:
وَالسَّارِقُ وَالسَّارِقَةُ فَاقْطَعُوْٓا اَيْدِيَهُمَا جَزَاۤءًۢ بِمَا كَسَبَا نَكَالًا مِّنَ اللّٰهِ ۗوَاللّٰهُ عَزِيْزٌ حَكِيْمٌ
“The man who steals and the woman who steals, cut off the hands of both (as) retribution for what they have done and as a punishment from Allah. And Allah is the Mighty, the Wise.” (QS. Al-Ma’idah: 38)
In the above verse, sariqah is defined as stealing. Islamic jurists (fukaha) define sariqah as the act of taking someone else’s property that does not belong to him, from the place where it is stored, which is done by a mature and intelligent person.
This term sariqah also applies to the definition of corruption, which is a form of theft or embezzlement of state money. This is because state money belongs to the state and is used for public welfare, not to fulfill personal needs.
Read also: What are the criteria for a just and democratic leader in Islam?
4. Khiyanah
The general meaning of khiyanah is not keeping a promise or breaking a promise. The Qur’an surah al-Anfal explains the prohibition of khiyanah to Allah and the Messenger:
“O you who believe, do not betray Allah and the Messenger (Muhammad) and (also) do not betray the trusts entrusted to you, while you know.” (QS. Al-Anfal: 27)
This verse is a strong rebuke from Allah Swt for Abu Lubabah who has betrayed Allah and His Messenger, namely not being faithful to the trust in keeping secrets. In Islam, betrayal is a form of corruption and is included in the characteristics of hypocrites.
In Indonesia, one of the main causes of corruption is betrayal practiced by officials. As we know, almost all social activities are related to trust. That is why Allah prohibits Muslims from betraying trust.
If trust is no longer maintained, trust is lost. If trust is lost, then law and order will no longer be maintained and the tranquility of social life can no longer be enjoyed.
5. Al-Suht
In terms of terms, al-suht means giving property to someone as compensation for performing a task or obligation that must be carried out without having to wait for a reward. Either the person who gives, receives, or mediates the act of al-suht is the perpetrator of corruption. The word al-suht is mentioned in the Qur’an:
“They are those who love to hear false news, eat much that is unlawful. If they (the Jews) come to you (for judgment), then decide (the case) between them, or turn away from them; if you turn away from them then they will not do you any harm. And if you judge between them, then judge between them justly; surely Allah loves the just.” (QS. Al-Ma’idah: 42)
Al-suht in the verse above is interpreted as illicit money (bribe). The bribe contained in the verse above is intended for judges to give light sentences to adulterers. In fact, judges should be able to decide cases fairly in accordance with the Qur’anic law in the holy book.
Thus, if a judge adjudicating a case receives a gift from a litigant, the judge has committed corruption.
6. Collusion
Collusion is a form of conspiracy (cooperation in bad deeds) which is not allowed in Islamic teachings. On the other hand, every Muslim is obliged to prevent collusion, because this prevention includes the act of “helping each other in virtue and piety” which is the command of Allah SWT.
in virtue and piety” which is the command of Allah Swt.
Collusion will lead to the deterioration of a nation’s system and values. This is because collusion is a form of cooperation for the purpose of conspiracy. There are two main elements in the act of collusion, namely the existence of a conspiracy and one of those who do it is a government official.
In the view of the Qur’an, collusion cannot be justified, because it is a form of helping each other in unjustified sins and offenses. Also, the perpetrators will not be able to reach the degree of piety because of their collusion.
7. Nepotism
Nepotism comes from the English term nepostism, which means prioritizing certain families, groups or groups to be given power / positions. In Islam, nepotism is also included in the category of corruption.
The Qur’an strictly prohibits nepotism, as it is a form of injustice. Whether it is against oneself, relatives, let alone the people. This is because nepotism does not place a person equally, according to their competence and capacity.
But on the other hand, if there is no one else who deserves to exercise authority and power concerning public affairs other than people who come from relatives, then this action may be taken. The granting of this power is not done because of the kin factor, but rather the competence factor in carrying out the mandate. This is because it is fairer and more accountable.
This case has a justification from Islam. In naqli, it can be seen in the case of the appointment of Prophet Aaron as the holder of the leadership mandate during the absence of Prophet Moses. This was done because only he was fit to replace Prophet Moses.
“And Moses said to his brother Aaron: ‘Replace me in (leading) my people, and make it right, and do not follow the path of those who make mischief.” (QS. Al-A’raf: 7)
Prophet Musa also continued to treat his brother professionally by providing task directions. So, even though the Prophet Aaron is his brother, he still has to carry out the mandate given which will be accounted for in the future.
Those are the seven actions that include corruption in Islam. Hopefully we can all understand it well, and try to avoid this bad deed. Aamiinn… (RQA)
