The prohibited bribe

Q 3: In 1397 A.H. I paid three thousand Riyals to someone in order to obtain a license for a land grant from the municipality of the village where I live. Later on, I discovered that the head of the municipality does not issue the license except with the sum mentioned above. At that time, I did not realize what this was; whether it was a bribe or a sale, but mostly I thought that it was a bribe. I gave him the money and I took possession of the land after a while. I mortgaged the land to the real-estate development fund (Part No. 23; Page No. 562) and established a building with the mortgage which is still standing until now. It should be noted that the Form that was issued by the municipality for this land bears the title of "A grant" and not a sale. Your Honor, would you please advise me on what I should do to free myself from guilt on a Day where no wealth nor children will avail, except those who come to Allah with a pure heart.

A: It seems from your case that what you have done is a clearly illegal bribe. You must repent to Allah not to repeat it again. You should advise this person in charge, if you can, and if he does not comply you should report him to the police and stop him from committing this illegal act, taking evil gains and obstructing people's interests. The Prophet (peace be upon him) cursed the briber and the bribed and the one who serves as a mediator between them.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.