Receiving a government allowance while not in need of it

Q: The state grants monthly subsidies to needy male and female students. In the past, a free meal was given to all students. I would like to inform Your Honor that I am financially stable, praise be to Allah. I have daughters and sons who are students. I would like to ask Your Honor whether it is permissible for me to prove to a court that my children need government subsidies, even though I am well-off. You should bear in mind that many people are in doubt concerning the permissibility of taking these subsidies. Give us your fatwa about this, may Allah reward you well!

A: If the case is as you have mentioned, that your are financially stable and can pay the cost of your children's education and the government subsidies are only for (Part No. 23; Page No. 429) those who are proved to be in need, then it is not permissible for you to prove before the judge that you are in need of this subsidy, for this is considered lying and deception. This involves misappropriating state funds. However, if the subsidy is given to you without asking for it and without deception on your side, it is Halal (lawful) for you and your children. Contentment is an everlasting treasure. He who abstains from asking others for financial help, Allah will provide for him and save him from asking others. He who seeks sufficiency, Allah will keep him in a state of sufficiency.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.