Introduction
Corruption is a social problem that has existed for a long time and continues to grow along with the development of government and economic systems. This practice not only causes financial loss to the state, but also damages moral values, justice, and public trust.
In Islam, corruption is considered a wrongful act because it goes against the values of trust (amanah), honesty, and responsibility. Therefore, Islam gives serious attention to preventing all forms of misuse in managing wealth and power.

Main Discussion

Definition of Corruption in General and Islamic Perspective
In general, corruption is the abuse of power or position for personal or group benefit that harms society or the state.
In Islam, the term “corruption” is not mentioned directly, but it is represented by several related concepts, such as:

• Ghulul: betrayal of trust, especially involving public property
• Risywah: bribery
• As-suht: consuming unlawful (haram) wealth

These terms show that corruption is a serious violation in Islam because it involves dishonesty and injustice.

History of Corruption in Islam
In Islamic history, acts similar to corruption existed even in early times, although in limited cases. During the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), there was a case of misusing public funds (ghulul) by an official responsible for managing zakat.
This shows that even in the best period, the potential for abuse of trust still existed. However, Islam addressed it firmly through moral guidance, supervision, and social as well as spiritual sanctions.

Forms of Corruption
Corruption can take many forms, including:

• Abuse of authority
• Bribery in legal and administrative matters
• Nepotism in appointing positions
• Embezzlement of state funds
• Gratification related to position

There is also systemic and hidden corruption, which may exploit legal loopholes but still contradict justice.

Corruption in the Qur’an
The Qur’an strongly prohibits actions related to corruption.
One important verse is Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188):

وَلَا تَأْكُلُوْٓا اَمْوَالَكُمْ بَيْنَكُمْ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتُدْلُوْا بِهَآ اِلَى الْحُكَّامِ لِتَأْكُلُوْا فَرِيْقًا مِّنْ اَمْوَالِ النَّاسِ بِالْاِثْمِ وَاَنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُوْنَࣖ ۝١٨٨

Do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly, nor deliberately bribe authorities in order to devour a portion of others’ property, knowing that it is a sin.

This verse forbids taking others’ property in unlawful ways, including bribery, manipulation, and abuse of power.

Another verse, Surah Ali Imran (3:161), discusses ghulul:

وَمَا كَانَ لِنَبِيٍّ اَنْ يَّغُلَّۗ وَمَنْ يَّغْلُلْ يَأْتِ بِمَا غَلَّ يَوْمَ الْقِيٰمَةِۚ ثُمَّ تُوَفّٰى كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُوْنَ ۝١٦١

“It is not appropriate for a prophet to illegally withhold spoils of war. And whoever does so, it will be held against them on the Day of Judgment. Then every soul will be paid in full for what it has done, and none will be wronged.”

This shows that betrayal of trust, especially involving public wealth, is a serious wrongdoing.

In Surah Al-Maidah (5:42, 62–63), the Qur’an criticizes those who consume unlawful wealth and engage in bribery: “…they eagerly listen to falsehood and consume what is unlawful…”

These verses strongly condemn actions that damage justice and integrity, including bribery in legal systems.

Corruption in Hadith
The sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explain corruption more clearly and practically.
One hadith states:

“Gifts given to officials are a form of betrayal (ghulul).”

This means that gifts related to a position can influence fairness and objectivity.

Another hadith says:

“Allah curses the one who gives a bribe, the one who receives it, and the intermediary between them.”

This shows that all parties involved in bribery share the same sin.

There are also teachings that even small acts of embezzlement of public wealth are major sins. The Prophet once refused to perform funeral prayer for someone who committed ghulul as a form of moral warning to society.

Protecting corrupt individuals or blocking justice is also considered part of corruption.

Impact of Corruption
Corruption has wide negative effects, such as:

• Damaging the justice system
• Slowing development
• Reducing public trust
• Increasing social inequality
• Destroying moral values

In Islam, the consequences of corruption are not only in this world but also in the hereafter.

Prevention and Eradication of Corruption in Islam

1. Strengthening Moral Values
   Islam emphasizes honesty, trustworthiness, and awareness of God as the main protection against corruption.
2. Supervision of Officials
   Strict monitoring is needed to prevent abuse of power.
3. Law Enforcement (Ta’zir)
   Corruption can be punished with discretionary penalties depending on the severity and government policy.
4. Social and Spiritual Sanctions
   Social consequences, as practiced during the Prophet’s time, can create a deterrent effect.
5. Transparency and Accountability
   Open and accountable systems help reduce opportunities for corruption.

Conclusion
Corruption in Islam is strictly prohibited because it involves betrayal, injustice, and misuse of trust. The Qur’an and Hadith clearly condemn all forms of corruption, both directly and through moral principles.
Efforts to fight corruption in Islam are not only based on legal enforcement but also on moral development, supervision, and personal awareness. With this comprehensive approach, a clean, just, and trustworthy society can be achieved in line with Islamic values.

Source

Anwar,Syamsul. (2008). Korupsi dalam perspektif hukum Islam. Jurnal Hukum, 15(1), 14–31. https://journal.uii.ac.id/IUSTUM/article/view/75

Gunawan, H. (2018). Korupsi dalam perspektif hukum Islam. Yurisprudentia, 4(2). http://jurnal.uinsyahada.ac.id/index.php/yurisprudentia/article/view/1506