Dr. Ahmed Nabawy, a professor at Al-Azhar University, has sounded the alarm over the increasing trend of exam cheating — particularly when some parents aid or justify their children’s dishonesty, describing it as the seed from which corruption grows and the foundation for producing morally decayed generations.
In televised remarks, Dr. Nabawy emphasized that cheating may appear to bring success, but it is a moral and spiritual failure, as the cheater not only wrongs others but also undermines fairness and integrity in education and work. He explained that when unqualified individuals occupy positions they do not deserve, it weakens institutions and spreads a culture of deceit.
He pointed to viral videos showing mothers assisting their children during exams using Bluetooth earpieces or coded signals, describing such acts as “raising children on corruption.” He warned that this destroys a child’s conscience and teaches dependence on deception instead of effort and integrity.
Dr. Nabawy noted that cheating often begins as a small act — a minor justification — before growing into a habitual moral defect that leads to greater dishonesty and societal decay. He recalled the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) saying:
“When authority is given to those who are unworthy of it, expect the Hour.”
He concluded by urging parents to instill values of honesty, hard work, and self-reliance, emphasizing that true success lies in earning one’s achievements rightfully. “Do not justify or assist in cheating,” he said, “for only genuine evaluation builds capable individuals and safeguards the nation’s moral and intellectual integrity.”
