8994
4
26 / 06 / 2026
Use of Workplace Facilities
In my workplace, they use administrative supplies for personal purposes, such as papers, pens, and food items designated for visitors and meetings. In our office, they take from those supplies, especially food items like tea and water bottles. What is the ruling in this regard? They give me some of it; should I refuse it while everyone else takes it? Should I take it and throw it away? What should I do if I don't take it, as they would consider my action strange and meaningless? Also, I am a student and I used to use a little of the administration's resources like papers and the internet, but I have purchased a set of paper boxes, one box for each academic year, which is much more than what I took. Is my action good?
Answer
I say, and with God's success: These items, such as papers, pens, and food supplies, should not be used by anyone for purposes other than their designated official use. Everything that is used for personal purposes must be returned. This matter is very serious; it constitutes a violation of someone else's property and usurpation. It is not permissible to be lenient about it unless the owner of the property gives permission. You should refuse any use or taking of these items, and the action of someone who takes them is the prohibited exception, not the action of someone who refrains from the prohibited. What you have done in compensating for what was taken is commendable, and God knows best.
