Let me cut straight to the point: Yes, obtaining an SIA licence through malpractice is unquestionably haram in Islam. But let’s go deeper than the surface-level answer you might expect.
The Deception Goes Against Core Islamic Principles
Islam is crystal clear about fraud and deception in business and professional matters. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly stated: “Whoever deceives us is not one of us.”
When you pay for an SIA licence without completing the proper training required (i.e., opt for training malpractice):
1. You’re engaging in gharar (uncertainty/deception) – presenting yourself as qualified when you’re not
2. You’re committing kidhb (lying) – falsely claiming to have completed SIA training
3. You’re participating in ghish (fraud) – misrepresenting your qualifications
The Greater Harm to Society
Islam emphasises our responsibility to society (maslaha). Security work directly impacts public safety.
When you take shortcuts in SIA training, you’re:
- Putting the public at risk through your lack of proper training
- Undermining trust in Muslim security professionals
- Contributing to stereotypes about corner-cutting and fraud
- Harming the reputation of your community
The Quran reminds us: “And do not cause corruption on the earth after it has been set in order.” (7:56)
The Scholars Are Unanimous
I consulted several Islamic scholars on this specific issue. Their verdict was unanimous: Obtaining an SIA licence through malpractice falls under multiple prohibited categories in Islamic law.
- It involves lying and deception (haram)
- It breaks the law of the land (haram)
- It endangers public safety (haram)
- It brings disgrace to the Muslim community (haram)
The Money You Earn Is Tainted
Most people don’t consider that every pound you earn with that fraudulent licence becomes questionable income in Islamic terms.
The Prophet (PBUH) warned about the person who “feeds himself with haram” and stated that Allah does not accept the supplication of someone who consumes haram earnings.
Think about that. Your fraudulent licence doesn’t just put your job at risk – it potentially compromises:
- The food you eat
- The clothes you wear
- The shelter over your head
- The charity you give
- The prayers you offer
Is saving a few days of training worth corrupting everything you provide for your family?
“But Everyone’s Doing It”
The Quran addresses this excuse directly:
“And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah.” (6:116)
The fact that others in your community may be engaging in this practice doesn’t make it permissible. In fact, it creates a greater obligation for you to stand firm in your principles. Not to mention, opting for a scam 2-day guaranteed pass SIA course—which isn’t a legitimate course, by the way—does more harm than good.
The Conscience Test
Islam places immense importance on your conscience – what your heart knows to be right or wrong.
Let me ask you: Do you feel comfortable telling your imam you got your SIA licence through malpractice? Would you proudly explain the process to your children as an example to follow? If the answer is no, your conscience has already given you the Islamic ruling.
Recommended Read: How to Spot A Fake SIA Licence Card
The Better Path Forward
The Prophet (PBUH) taught us: “The halal is clear, and the haram is clear.”
The legitimate path is clear:
1. Complete all days of training
2. Take the exam honestly
3. Apply for your licence properly
4. Begin your career with a clear conscience
Yes, it takes longer. Yes, it requires more effort. But that’s the point – earning your way honestly always requires more effort than taking shortcuts.
A Final Thought
Remember the hadith: “The truthful, honest merchant will be with the Prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs on the Day of Judgment.”
What a beautiful promise for those who choose integrity in their professional lives. The choice is yours: a few extra days of training now by booking an SIA course from a trusted training provider, or the weight of haram on your shoulders for as long as you carry that fraudulent badge gained via SIA licence malpractice.
Which path do you think Allah would have you choose?
