A contractor saving materials and keeping them himself

Question

Question: Zayd is a government contractor for building bridges. For example, forty sacks are issued for one bridge. The overseer says, “Give me ten sacks,” and he gives them; and the overseer says, “Now I will pass your bridge,” and (Zayd) also keeps five sacks for himself, because Zayd is reassured that the overseer himself has already taken ten sacks. If he does not give to the overseer, the bridge is not passed. What is the ruling for Zayd in such a case?

Answer

This is khiyana (breach of trust), it is rishwa (bribery), it is sin (ma‘siya).

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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