BRIBERY. (Arabic رصوة)
Riswah is not mentioned in the Qur’an. In the Fatawa Alamgiri it is stated that presents to magistrates are of various kinds; for example, if a present be made in order to establish a friendship, it is lawful but if it be given to influence the decision of the judge in the donor’s favour, it is unlawful. It is also said, if a present be made to a judge from a sense of fear, it is lawful to give it, but unlawful to accept it. (Hamilton’s Hidayah, vol. iii, p. 332)
Riswah is not mentioned in the Qur’an. In the Fatawa Alamgiri it is stated that presents to magistrates are of various kinds; for example, if a present be made in order to establish a friendship, it is lawful but if it be given to influence the decision of the judge in the donor’s favour, it is unlawful. It is also said, if a present be made to a judge from a sense of fear, it is lawful to give it, but unlawful to accept it. (Hamilton’s Hidayah, vol. iii, p. 332)
Based on Hughes, Dictionary of Islam