Is it permissible for an employee to take a share from the process of purchasing real estate for the entity he works for, with the knowledge of the seller but without the knowledge of the buyer (the governmental entity), or by accepting a share from the broker who offers it voluntarily after the sale is completed, given that the employee exerted effort in the search and did not cheat on the price?

The work performed by the questioner to purchase the apartment is part of his job duties for which he receives a salary. Therefore, it is not permissible for him to take any compensation from the seller or the broker, because this falls under the category of "gifts to workers," which is unlawful money. Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated the hadith of the man whom the Prophet, peace be upon him, appointed to collect charity. When he returned, he said: "This is for you, and this was given to me as a gift." The Prophet, peace be upon him, disapproved of this. Al-Nawawi mentioned that gifts to workers are unlawful and constitute embezzlement because they betray the trust of authority and stewardship. Therefore, if the questioner took anything from the seller or the broker, he must return it to them.