The Ruling on Utilizing Free Time in Government Work for Private Employment

The questioner : My brother, in the government offices where we work, our workload is limited, and we complain of a great deal of idle time. Is it permissible for us to leave during working hours to attend to some private work?

The Shaykh : Answering this question requires me to answer two questions: Is government work measured by time?

The presenter : Is the job measured by time or by the work itself? By time. Therefore, all the time is occupied, even if you have no work to do. You must remain in the workplace from the start of the shift to the end of the shift, except for an unforeseen circumstance, which is a separate matter. However, this idle time that occurs in some offices can be occupied by the person in the same place by reviewing a book he brings with him, benefiting from it and benefiting others. As for leaving to attend to his personal needs, this is not permissible. It is obligatory to remain from the start of the shift to the end, unless there are urgent matters, because something may happen to a person on that day, such as needing to bring in supplies, or wanting to visit the court or the governor’s office or the like. This is permissible if his superior grants him permission and the work is not disrupted by his absence.