Is the prevailing custom in companies of using office supplies, telephones, the internet, and discarded papers for personal purposes considered evidence that this is not prohibited, and does this action require direct permission from the company official?

It is not permissible to use company work tools for personal purposes unless there is explicit permission from the employer or their representative, or customary permission prevalent in the company that allows employees to do so. Explicit permission is more absolving of responsibility. However, if the prevailing custom among employees is to use the tools without verbal or customary permission, this is not permissible and is considered a corrupt custom. It is not permissible for an employee to use work tools for personal benefit, as this is a violation of the right to work and a breach of trust.

If the item used is not affected by personal use, there is no harm in using it after work hours, but it is preferable to seek permission. However, if the use distracts from work, it is not permissible except with permission, because the time belongs to the employer.

As for using papers that are certain to be thrown in the trash and not benefit the company, there is no harm in using them, because their ruling is like that of property whose owner has relinquished it, and benefiting from them is better than discarding them.