Is it permissible for a senior government employee to use his status and influence—derived from his position—to take a commission from commercial mediations between private parties, provided he avoids using his official capacity to achieve illicit gains and avoids mediation within his official responsibilities? And are such gains considered "ghulul" (embezzlement) based on hadiths like "Gifts to workers are ghulul"?

If an employee's effort to complete a transaction is in the capacity of a broker, where they do not exploit their position, nor their official work relationship, nor use their position to achieve illicit gains, then there is no harm in them receiving what is given to them in return for the brokerage. However, they must be cautious not to accept anything given with the intention of influencing them or gaining their favor, so that they might reciprocate for the giver in their professional work. Such an act would be considered an unlawful bribe. Al-Bukhari said: "Chapter: One who does not accept a gift due to a reason." And Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz said: "A gift in the time of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, was a gift, but today it is a bribe."