The Ruling on Gifts to Workers and the Distinction Between Them and Bribes

Question:
And Honorable Shaykh Abu Hatim, it is mentioned in the hadith regarding gifts to workers, and the light of the question is: Is this specific to the workers who collect zakah, or does it include workers in general?

Answer:
The original ruling is that it was mentioned regarding the collectors of zakah, and it includes anyone who is entrusted with the wealth of the Muslims, for it is a trust under his authority, and he is required to preserve it. If he takes something from it, this is called ghalul (embezzlement). However, if he takes something from the petitioners—he is an official or employee and takes from the petitioners and does not complete their tasks or transactions except for what they pay him—this is the forbidden, sinful bribe. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) cursed the briber, the one who accepts the bribe, and the intermediary between them. It is called a bribe and sorcery. Yes.