Dar al-Ifta continues its “Know What Is Right” campaign, which addresses misconceptions and unusual religious rulings that have circulated in society and seeks to clarify the proper Islamic understanding of various religious and social issues.
The campaign covers a wide range of topics connected to everyday life, particularly issues in which people may encounter conflicting or inaccurate religious information.
What Is the Ruling on Recording an Absent Colleague’s Attendance?
Dar al-Ifta states that an employee recording attendance for a colleague who has not actually come to work is religiously prohibited because it involves reporting something that is contrary to reality.
Signing in or recording attendance on behalf of an absent colleague falsely indicates that the employee was present at work when they were not.
Why Is Falsifying Attendance Prohibited?
The practice involves lying, fraud, deception, and a breach of trust toward the employer.
An employee who records attendance for an absent colleague is effectively confirming something that did not happen. This also constitutes cooperation in wrongdoing because the action enables the absent employee to appear as though they fulfilled a workplace obligation that they did not actually fulfill.
The ruling does not apply only to the employee who records the attendance. The absent employee who benefits from the false attendance record is also responsible.
Ruling on the Absent Employee
The employee whose attendance is falsely recorded is also considered sinful under the ruling presented by Dar al-Ifta. The matter is particularly serious because the employee has failed to uphold the trust associated with the position and the duties agreed upon with the employer.
Employment involves responsibilities, including attendance at the required times and carrying out assigned duties. Therefore, an employee cannot legitimately claim attendance that did not occur.
The “Know What Is Right” Campaign
Dar al-Ifta’s “Know What Is Right” campaign addresses numerous religious and social questions, including working as a lawyer and studying law, celebrating the Prophet’s birthday, observing national occasions, building churches, abandoning prayer, dealing with ancient Egyptian monuments, saluting the national flag, observing moments of silence, depositing money in banks, photography and drawing, and purchasing cars or apartments through banks.
The campaign seeks to clarify religious rulings and address misconceptions that may have become established among some members of society.
Conclusion
Recording attendance for a colleague who is absent from work is prohibited according to the ruling presented by Dar al-Ifta because it involves lying, reporting false information, fraud, deception, and a breach of the employer’s trust. The absent employee also bears responsibility because they benefit from a false attendance record and fail to fulfill their workplace obligations.
Is it permissible to record attendance for an absent colleague?
No. According to the ruling presented, doing so is prohibited because it involves lying, fraud, and false reporting.
Is the absent employee also responsible?
Yes. The employee who benefits from the false attendance record is also considered responsible for failing to uphold their workplace trust.
Why is recording false attendance considered a breach of trust?
Because it presents an inaccurate record to the employer and violates the employee’s agreed responsibilities.
Does the ruling apply only to the employee who signs in for the colleague?
No. It also applies to the absent employee who benefits from the false attendance record.
