Is it permissible in Islam to bribe someone out of compulsion?
According to Sunni scholarship, as reflected in Tafsir Ibn Kathir, bribery is generally condemned in Islam. The Messenger of Allah taught: The Messenger of Allah cursed the one who offers a bribe and the one who takes a bribe in judgment.
Sunan al-Tirmidhi 15:16. This strong condemnation indicates that engaging in bribery, even under compulsion, is viewed negatively.
On the other hand, Shia scholarship, as reflected in Al-Kafi, also emphasizes the prohibition of bribery. Abu Ja'far (peace be upon him) stated: Everything that is taken excessively from the Imam is unlawful gain (sukht). Consuming the property of orphans and similar matters is unlawful gain. Such unlawful gain has many forms, including the wages of immoral people, the price of wine and intoxicating beverages, and usury after clear proof. As for bribery in governing, that is outright disbelief in God the Almighty and His Messenger (peace be upon him and his family).
Al-Kafi 2:234. This perspective underscores that bribery is a serious offense and not acceptable under any circumstances, including compulsion.
For a ruling that applies to your specific situation, consult a qualified local scholar.
Sources
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Sunan al-Tirmidhi 15:16
Sunan al-Tirmidhi · Book 15, Hadith 16 · Narrated by Abu Huraira
The Messenger of Allah cursed the one who offers a bribe and the one who takes a bribe in judgment.
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Al-Kafi 2:234
Al-Kafi · Book 2, Hadith 234
Whoever says in the morning: O God, verily I have come under Your protection and care. O God, I entrust to You my religion, my soul, my worldly life, my Hereafter, my family, and my wealth. And I seek refuge in You, O Great One, from the evil of all Your creation and from the evil by which Satan and his hosts cause affliction. If he says this, nothing harms him that day, and if he says it in the evening, nothing harms him that night, God willing. — OR — I heard him say, "When a man dies owing two consecutive months of fasting due to illness, he must give charity for the first month and make up the second month." — OR — I asked Abu Ja'far (peace be upon him) about false exaggerators (ghulul). He said: "Everything that is taken excessively from the Imam is unlawful gain (sukht). Consuming the property of orphans and similar matters is unlawful gain. Such unlawful gain has many forms, including the wages of immoral people, the price of wine and intoxicating beverages, and usury after clear proof. As for bribery in governing, that is outright disbelief in God the Almighty and His Messenger (peace be upon him and his family)." — OR — The Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) said concerning a woman who is married as a temporary wife and then grows older or younger in her estimation, and then he divorces her before consummation: she is entitled to half the payment made to her on the day it was given; neither increase nor decrease is considered. — OR — No two men inherit from one another when one kills the other.
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