Islamic Ruling on Cheating in Exams

The Islamic Ruling on Cheating in Exams:

Even the calmest and most carefree individuals are familiar with the stress that comes before exams. Everyone handles this anxiety differently. But for many, the final option becomes a way out—cheating. Whether young or old, many people know what it is, and when the topic comes up, they often recall an old story about it with a faint smile. However, many may not be aware of the Islamic ruling on cheating. In the following, we’ll explore the views of prominent Islamic scholars (Marājiʿ) on this matter.

Ruling from Religious Authorities:

According to Issue 539 of the Student's Manual (Risālah-ye Dāneshju’i), all religious authorities consider cheating in academic exams to be haram (forbidden).

❓ Question: What if a student passes an exam through cheating and advances to the next level, benefitting from its advantages—what is the ruling on benefiting from this?

• Ayatollah Khamenei: Cheating is haram. However, if the person has the required skill and qualifications for the job and the hiring rules were followed, their employment and salary are not problematic.

• Ayatollah Fāzel Lankarani (RA): It is problematic; one is not religiously permitted to benefit from these advantages.

• Ayatollah Bahjat: The person must make up for the course they cheated in.

• Ayatollah Ṣāfi Golpayegani: Cheating is not permissible in any matter.

• Ayatollah Makārim Shirāzi: If someone cheats in only one or two subjects, although it's wrong, receiving a degree and continuing education or employment with it is not problematic.

These responses primarily concern advancement and use of earned benefits. They do not directly address the violation of others’ rights.

When Cheating Violates Someone Else’s Rights:

If cheating leads to depriving someone else of their rightful opportunity (e.g., in entrance exams), compensation or seeking forgiveness is necessary unless rectification is impossible.

❓ Question: If someone cheats in a university entrance exam (e.g., entrance exam or “konkūr”) and takes the place of someone else, what should they do?

• Ayatollah Khamenei: Cheating is haram. Repentance is sufficient.

• Ayatollah Makārim Shirāzi: The person must withdraw so that the next candidate takes the position.

Other Situations:

❓ If a professor leaves the exam room and students start copying from a book, is it allowed?

• No. Cheating is haram in any form.

❓ Can I sell exam questions to others?

• If it counts as cheating, it is not permissible.

❓ Does the seriousness of the exam affect the ruling? Is giving help (facilitating cheating) also haram?

• Both cheating and helping others cheat are haram, regardless of the exam's importance.

❓ If I submit another student’s work with their consent under my name, is it allowed?

• If it violates university rules or is considered cheating, it is not allowed, even with consent.

❓ What’s the ruling on writing a thesis for someone else in exchange for money?

• If it violates academic regulations or is considered cheating, it is haram.

❓ Is cheating considered "haqq al-nās" (violating others’ rights)?

• Yes. Cheating in exams or competitions is not allowed regardless of whether the other person consents. If it results in someone else being wronged, the cheater must obtain their forgiveness and also sincerely repent to God.

❓ What if someone takes an exam on behalf of another person?

• This is considered cheating and is forbidden.

❓ If everyone in the class agrees to cheating, does that make it okay?

• No. Cheating is still haram.

❓ If students copy assignments given for homework, is that allowed?

• Copying in this way is considered cheating and is sinful.

❓ What if someone pays money to receive a passing grade? Can they use that degree to get a job?

• Paying for grades is against regulations and forbidden. If the cheating caused them to pass, they cannot use that degree to get employed.

Conclusion:

According to all major Islamic scholars, cheating in exams is forbidden, regardless of method, consent, or intention. If it leads to unfair advantage or harms someone else’s right, it must be rectified, or the individual must seek forgiveness. Moreover, repentance and sincere efforts to make up for past wrongs through honest study and contribution to society are highly emphasized.