What is the ruling on a person changing his lineage in order to obtain nationality of a country for certain benefits? For example, a man might claim to be the child or brother of an uncle or other relative who holds the desired nationality, so as to obtain that nationality and all the benefits etc. that come with it, even though he has a nationality and proper documents of his own, and has no problems as such; he is only doing this to serve some materialistic interests. What is the ruling on this action?

Praise be to Allaah.

This action is haraam. It is not permissible for a
person to claim to belong to anyone other than his father, because this leads to further
lies, and has an impact on matters of inheritance, who is considered to be a mahram, and
all other issues that have to do with lineage. Thus the texts issue stern warnings to
those who claim to belong to anyone other than their fathers. The Prophet
(peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever claims to belong to anyone other than
his father… on him will be the curse of Allaah and the angels and all the
people.” (Reported by Ibn Maajah, 2599; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 6104). This action is also a major sin comprised of two major sins, lying in order to
consume wealth unlawfully and claiming to belong to someone other than one’s father.

This person has to go back to what is true, and give up the nationality
he aquired improperly. He should go back to using his proper documents that prove his real
lineage. This is obligatory upon him. I am astounded that anyone would do such a thing for
worldly gains. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Whoever wishes for the quick-passing (transitory enjoyment of
this world), We readily grant him what We will for whome We like. Then, afterwards, We
have appointed for him Hell, he will burn therein disgraced and rejected, (- far away from
Allaah’s Mercy).” [al-Isra’ 17:18]

The one who does this had to repent to Allaah, and “Allaah has
forgiven what is past” [al-Maa’idah 5:95 – interpretation of the meaning].
With regard to whatever money he has taken as a result of having that nationality, Allaah
says (interpretation of the meaning):
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him)”… So whoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating riba
[usury] shall not be punished for the past…” [al-Baqarah 2:275]. This aayah
is speaking about the one who consumes riba (interest or usury), so it applies even more
in the case of lesser sins. And Allaah knows best.