The Ruling on Using Public Funds for Private Matters

Question:
Many people are lax regarding what is called the public right. They use government vehicles for personal purposes, or use the work phone to call relatives outside the area, or do other such things. What is the standard for this? May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
It is obligatory for the worker and the employee to fear Allah and not to use what is in his hands except for what the state has permitted and authorized. If the thing he is doing is permissible for him, there is nothing wrong with it; otherwise, let him be cautious. If he is in doubt, he should be scrupulous and leave what he is in doubt about: This is what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said. He also said: . And whatever is known to be approved by them, there is no blame in that. And whatever they have prohibited, it is obligatory to leave it; because upon every Muslim is obedience and compliance in what is right. So what is prohibited to the employee, he does not do; what he is authorized to do, he does; and what is ambiguous to him, he leaves: .