Students signing in the attendance sheet for absent students

Q: We study at the college of medicine at the University of King `Abdul-`Aziz In Jeddah, Lecturing doctors usually have the lists of the names of students and ask every student who is present to sign in front of their names. The point is that some students sign their names and the names of some of their classmates who are absent. What is the ruling on doing so? It is worth mentioning that: 1- A certain sum of the monthly scholarship is deducted if a student does not attend a specific number of lectures.2- A student is prevented from doing the final exam if his absence reaches a certain percentage; for instance 20%. Students are very concerned because of this particular issue. Is it permissible for a student to sign the name of a classmate if they are absent because of a valid excuse such as sleep, sickness, or travel? Is it permissible that a student signs the name of an absent classmate then the latter gives in the cause of Allah (Exalted be He) the sum that would otherwise have been deducted from their scholarship to avoid being prevented from performing (Part No. 23; Page No. 435) the final exam? Please provide us with your detailed answer as this matter concerns me and all my colleagues. Please send your written answer to my address which is mentioned below. May Allah reward you with the best both in the world and in the hereafter for your support to us and for the great service you provide for all Muslims. Verily, Allah is All-Hearer, Ever Near, and Ever Responsive.

A: If the reality is exactly as what you have mentioned, signing the names of other students is Haram (prohibited) as it is considered a form of cheating, and it is authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: He who deceives us is not of us, i.e. 'is not my follower'. Thus, you have to make Tawbah (repentance to Allah) for your past practice and do not do the same thing again. Finally, the excuses of absence that you mentioned in the question are to be referred to the college administration.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.