BRIBERY. (Arabic رصوة)
Riswah is not mentioned in the Qur’an. In the Fatawa Alamgiri it is stated that presents to magistrates are of various kinds; for example, if a present be made in order to establish a friendship, it is lawful but if it be given to influence the decision of the judge in the donor’s favour, it is unlawful. It is also said, if a present be made to a judge from a sense of fear, it is lawful to give it, but unlawful to accept it. (Hamilton’s Hidayah, vol. iii, p. 332)

Based on Hughes, Dictionary of Islam