We all are guilty of copying or cheating during exams and consider it to be absolutely okay. There is a number of reasons as to why a person cheats or help others in it during the exam. It may be because the family of the person wants him to do better. They have invested in their child and want good results in return and cheating helps in acquiring good grades. They are scared of their families.
It can be because of peer pressure in some cases. It can be because of fear of not getting rewards of better grades(like jobs or admissions etc)
However, no matter what the reason may be we must know that cheating is haraam. Cheating in an exam or in any matter of life is forbidden. Because of the general meaning of the words of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him): “Whoever cheats is not one of us.”Narrated by Muslim, 102 from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him)
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
Cheating in exams is forbidden; in fact, it is a major sin, especially since this cheating will lead to a number of things in the future, it will affect the person’s salary and position, and other things that are needed in order to succeed.
This may benefit the person who cheated and take him to good positions but it may also affect the society negatively as the deserving people may lag behind.
It is not permissible to cheat in the exam to please one’s parents or teachers because we are trying to please them but disobeying and displeasing Allah. Which is sin in all circumstances?
Ibn Hibbaan narrated in his Saheeh (276) that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever seeks to please people by displeasing Allah, Allah will be displeased with him and cause people to be displeased with him.”
Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh at-Targheeb, 2/271.
Al-Bayhaqi narrated in Shu‘ab al-Eemaan (209) that Ibn Mas‘ood (may Allah be pleased with him) said: You cannot attain the pleasure of Allah if you try to please people by displeasing Allah.
Parents do not their children to cheat and acquire bad habits in life rather they want their children to succeed by their own efforts.
If a person really wants to be successful and please his parents that he must do so with his own efforts. Work bard and trust Allah. Cheating is something that people dislike and the cheat is despised by all people. Cheating is contrary to truthfulness and honesty, and it is akin to lying and treachery, so the sensible person avoids it.
Avoiding and teaching the act of cheating in early childhood will lead a person to a life of honesty and sincerity. That is the kind of life a person must lead and Allah will also bless him.
With regard to parents, they must teach their children not to cheat. And keep the atmosphere around them that does not force them to cheat.
Teachers too must help children and students to lead an honest life and refrain from cheating. They should not allow cheating during exams and deal such matters strictly, if necessary.
It is unfair to help a student to get better grades by means of cheating because not all students will be given that opportunity and will be harmful to the one who is more deserving and hard working.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked about cheating in school tests if the teacher is aware of it?
He said:
Cheating is haraam in exams just as it is haraam in transactions. No one has the right to cheat in tests in any subject, and if the teacher approves of that then he is a partner in the sin and betrayal.
Majmoo‘ Fataawa Ibn Baaz, 6/397
And Allah knows best.