Personal use of government resources

5-3-2003 | IslamWeb

Question:

When we work in a government offices, we sometimes use some papers,copier and printer for private things not related to the work, but we give charity to Red Crescent or others for using papers, etc. in office. Is it Lawful and permissible? What is the solution?

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Answer:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

One who works in a government office is not allowed to use tools (printer, pens, paper and other consumable materials) and materials at the office for private interests. He is entrusted to do a job and to use its necessary tools as required. So, using such tools for other reasons constitutes a breach of this trust unless one has permission from those who are incharge of that office.
As for paying charity to the Red Crescent for the use of tools and materials, such a good deed does not benefit in this concern since such tools and materials are public property, which is forbidden to take without permission. It also requires sincere repentance. Otherwise, you are to pay the value of use and so on.
Allah knows best.