Using workplace items for personal benefit

4-4-2014 | IslamWeb

Question:

assalamu alikkum i would like to ask whether it is permissible for me to use the items that is in my husband"s office...??i mean if i want to take the print of any documents my husband get it done using his office printer and papers...is this permissible to have it?? 2: the mobile telephone bill is payed by his office....so is it permissible for my husband to use the net in his mobile for his personal use 3: my husband bought 2-3 cofee cups from his office (the cup in which office name is printed)to home....he said there are lots of cups....so is it permissible to use for us family?? like wise sometimes he brings gums to stick...tools etc from office to home for some purpose and would return back...is this permissible to use items in office......?? is it permissible for family to use items in his office that belongs to him..?? plz clarify my doubts

---

Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

It is impermissible for an employee to use office Equipment, such as a printer, telephone, or the like for personal purposes – such as for his family's needs – except with the permission of his employer.

The Fatwa of the Permanent Committee of Iftaa' reads, “It is impermissible for the employee to use any of the company's equipment or properties for his personal benefit because this constitutes a violation of the rights of others without their permission. The Prophet said: “A Muslim's property is not lawful (for another Muslim) without the former's own free will.”

Hence, before you use the office items of your husband’s workplace, you have to find out from him if his office permits it. If the office permits it, then it is permissible for you to use them for personal purposes; otherwise, you have to stop using them.

Allaah Knows best.