It is impermissible for an employee to cheat his employer. He is not allowed to take anything from the work without the employer’s prior knowledge and consent. If he is subject to any harassment at work, he should resort to the lawful channels to take his right back. An employee is in fact a trustee and guardian of the money of his employer, and he is, thus, prohibited to betray him.
Dr. Muhammad Nabil Ghanayem, head of Shari`ah Department at the Faculty of Dar Al- `Ulum, Cairo University, states the following: “It is Islamically impermissible for the employees to take anything from the money of the employer, whether real persons, government or private organizations, to compensate for injustice in bonuses, rewards, and promotions at work, for such matters are decided according to special reports about the quality of work, regularity in work, and other things assessed by the employer himself, his deputy, heads of departments, managers, and other supervisors appointed by the employer.
However, an oppressed employee can present a complaint about whatever financial or moral injustice he is subject to at work. He should have the proof of his claims in order to support his pretext. He can also resign from that work at which he is oppressed and search for a better job. Otherwise, taking his due that he assesses for himself without the employer’s permission is considered betrayal and embezzlement. It will lead to the spread of theft and misappropriation and the prevalence of chaos and confusion in financial matters. It will lead to many disastrous effects whose danger none can realize save Allah Almighty.
That is why the Almighty, Exalted be He, has ordered His servants to give trusts to their owners, keep the money under their charge, and fulfill their vows. Allah Almighty says: “ O ye who believe! Fulfil your obligations.” (Al-Ma’idah: 1), “Fulfil the covenant of Allah when ye have covenanted.” (An-Nahl: 91), “Lo! Allah commandeth you that ye restore deposits to their owners.” (An-Nisaa’: 58), and, “Those who faithfully observe their trusts and their covenants.” (Al-Mu’minun: 8)
Moreover, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Give the trust back to whoever entrusted you, and do not betray that who betrayed you.” The Prophet also enumerated betrayal of the trust among the characteristics of a hypocrite; he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The characteristics of a hypocrite are three: he tells lies, breaks his promise, and betrays whoever entrusts him.””