Can Employees Take Company Property as Compensation for Harm?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

I work in a company that processes and recycles old materials. Due to poor safety measures, we are regularly exposed to harmful gases and heavy metals, which have led to health issues. Some co-workers have been taking used recyclable material meant for internal reuse and selling it, justifying it as compensation for the health risks we face.

They have also offered me a portion of the money, which I hesitantly accepted to avoid offending them. I feel this is wrong, but there is also some justification due to the health harm we endure. Should this be repented from and the money returned, or is there some allowance under such circumstances?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

It’s not permissible to take what doesn’t belong to you without explicit or implicit permission, even under challenging circumstances. While the intentions may be understandable as compensation for unsafe conditions, the means, taking company property, remain ethically problematic.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“It is not permissible (to take or use) the property of any individual except with his willing consent.” [Ahmad]

The money came from unauthorized use of company property, a form of theft, regardless of its intended recycling or internal reuse. Accepting it, even reluctantly, may implicate you. Return the money if possible; if not, consider donating it to charity for the rightful owner. [ِIbn Maza, al-Muhit al-Burhani]

The health issues and injustices you face are real and deserve attention, but not at the expense of violating rights in return.

In summary, disengage from these practices and distance yourself from those involved. Advocate for safer working conditions through the proper channels, possibly anonymously or with legal support.

And Allah gives success to those who seek to follow the way of His Beloved Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace). May Allah make us of them.

I would like you to read through the valuable answers and links below. Insha’Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.

Related: Using Another’s Property Without Permission

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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received a traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.