What is the ruling on an employee taking a computer device as a gift from a private office, knowing that this office operates with devices belonging to a public entity?

Gifts are of two types: The first type is bribery and embezzlement, which is forbidden, such as accepting a gift to uphold falsehood or invalidate truth, or to influence an employee to favor a client. From this comes the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Gifts for workers are embezzlement," and the narration of the man who was an agent for collecting zakat. As for the second type, it is the permissible and encouraged type, due to the love it engenders, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Exchange gifts, and you will love one another," and "If I were given a foreleg or a trotter as a gift, I would accept it."

Based on this, if the gift is intended to influence an employee to favor a private company, it is forbidden, falling under the category of gifts to workers. It is not permissible to accept it except with the permission of the employer, due to the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Whoever we appoint to a task, let him bring us its little and its much." However, if it is a reward for efforts or advice rendered without desire for a forbidden future influence, then there is no harm in accepting it.

If the device is owned by a public entity, it is not permissible to dispose of it except with its permission.