Using the telephone at work for personal calls

Reference: Fadhaa.il al-A’maal – Pages 7-8

Question: What is the ruling about the one who took something from his [place of] work – whether it was a little or a lot; and likewise, using the work telephone [for personal calls]?

Response: [Regarding] the work that is before you, then you are entrusted with it; Allaah سبحانه و تعالى says:

{O you who have believed, do not betray Allaah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know [the consequence]}, soorah al-Anfaal, aayah 27

So, it is from betrayal that you misappropriate anything which you have been entrusted with, even if the chairman [of the company] has permitted you. That is because quite possibly he doesn’t have actual ownership of anything [in the company]. If, however, he does have actual ownership, and is permitted to do so [by the company], then there is no harm in taking [what he grants you permission to take].


Translation originally published on 11 August, 2015.

Graduate of the Islaamic University of Madeenah, having completed the Arabic Language programme at the Institute of Arabic Language before progressing to the Faculty of Sharee'ah, from which he graduated in 2004. He currently resides in Birmingham, UK.

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