I am supposed to work 9 to 5, but I come late like 10 am and go early like 4.30 pm and also during most of time I waste surfing internet. Anyway when I am told to do something I never lag behind. Nevertheless my conscience pinches me if the money I earn will be halal or haram. My boss never tells me anything and he knows the situation very well but does not object. Moreover I am not alone in this behavior quite a few are culprits of that. Secondly, I make excuses in my mind of my behavior like I am doing it because I am paid less than I should have been (which is in fact true), I do not take lunch for 1 hour (which is also true), I do not take other brakes as others take like tea, etc. Now do you think in the eyes of Allah I will be forgiven.
At the outset, we must point out that Islam teaches honesty and
trufthfulness. Dishonesty and lies are major sins and incurs the wrath and
anger of Allah.
It is compulsory for you to adhere to the rules and principles of your
employmet. Turning up late and turning off early from employment on your own
without the consent of your employer and receiving full remuneration is
embezzlement. As an employee, the time you give is a trust. Rasulullah
(Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, ‘A sign of a Munaafiq is when he is
entrusted, he embezzles’.
It is also misappropriation of trust to use the employer’s facilities
without his consent. Being paid less or working during lunch hours cannot
justify the wrong you are engaged in. As an alternative, discuss the matter
with your employer. Request him for an official leeway to work during tea
break and lunch time in compensation for arriving late and leaving early.
Also, seek his consent for using his facilities. If he permits, then only
your actions will be proper. If he does not permit, adhere to the rules of
employment and set an example of honesty and truthfulness to your fellow
colleagues. It is these morals that will take you far in life with dignity
and honour.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai