Discover the meaning of the term Al-rshwa (رشوة) in Islamic vocabulary.
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Updated on 11 April 2026 at 1:05 AM
📖 2 min readWhat is given to annul a right or to establish falsehood.
With kasra or damma of the ra: two linguistic forms; it is taken from al-risha' (the well-rope).
With the three vowels: a noun from al-rishwa (with fatha). In language: that by which one attains one's need by importunity, doing something for someone that he may do something else for you, as Ibn al-Athir said.
(With kasra or damma of the ra): two linguistic forms; it is taken from al-risha', which is the fixed fee (ju'l) and what is given for the fulfillment of an interest. In 'al-Mu'arrab': al-risha' is the well-rope; its plural: arshiya.
What is given to annul a right or establish falsehood (al-Ta'rifat, p. 116).
With damma, fatha or kasra of the ra; (plural) rusha: what is given of wealth and the like to annul a right or establish falsehood. Bribery. Al-rasd: the masdar of rasada (watching), surveillance.
With the three vowels: what is given to annul a right or establish falsehood; thus said al-Sayyid. And in 'Kashaf al-Mustalahat': al-rishwa, in language: that by which one attains one's need by importunity, doing something for someone that he may do something else for you.
What is given for the fulfillment of an interest. (Plural): rusha and rusha. : The fixed fee (ju'l). Among the Malikis, Hanafis, Shafi'is and Zahiris: it is what is given to annul a right or establish falsehood. Among the Hanafis: that by which one attains what is forbidden. Al-rushwa (with damma): the rishwa. Al-rishwa (with kasra): the rishwa.