Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rehman Azmi, may Allah have mercy on him
"It is not lawful for a Muslim to take the property of another Muslim without their consent." [Musnad Ahmad 113/5, Sahih al-Jami’, Hadith 7662]
However, if the property is such that it has been discarded as waste (like trash), there is no harm in picking it up, as the owners have discarded it.
[Permanent Committee: 16360]
Employee Using Company Property for Personal Gain
It is absolutely not permissible for an employee or worker to use company or organizational property for personal purposes, as this constitutes an infringement upon others' rights and an act of wrongdoing without their consent. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:"It is not lawful for a Muslim to take the property of another Muslim without their consent." [Musnad Ahmad 113/5, Sahih al-Jami’, Hadith 7662]
However, if the property is such that it has been discarded as waste (like trash), there is no harm in picking it up, as the owners have discarded it.
[Permanent Committee: 16360]