Ruling on receiving the housing allowance and living in the company's buildings


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Q: There are some institutions that provide housing for their employees and pay housing allowances for those who do not prefer such residences. However, some employees who are paid housing allowances remain in these residences for one or two months, taking this matter lightly. What is the ruling on accepting a residence allowance in this case? What is the ruling on using this money when mixed with money from another source (such as the monthly salary, etc.)? Is it permissible also for the person who is aware of this fact to visit such employees and eat their food, as this discomfits me? What should I do regarding such an important matter, for our Messenger (peace be upon him) stated: Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt. (Part No. 22; Page No. 338) He (peace be upon him) also stated: None of you will believe until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.


A: Firstly, if the case is as you mentioned, then it is not permissible for these employees who are given the choice between living in company housing or taking an allowance to combine both of them. It is obligatory for them to return the residence allowance to the company if they live in the assigned residences.Secondly, if the housing allowance these employees receive is included in their Halal (lawfully-earned) money, then it is permissible for others to eat their food, according to the most correct scholarly opinion. However, if these employees have no source of income except this allowance, then it is not permissible to benefit from it.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.




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