What is the ruling on clocking out at 5:00 PM, despite being allowed to leave 10-15 minutes early, and clocking in at 9:00 AM, despite arriving before that time, knowing that these practices are common in other workplaces, and is it necessary to leave one's job because of this?

The default is that the employee leaves at the time specified in the regulations of the employing entity, based on the words of Allah the Almighty: "O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts," and the words of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "Muslims are bound by their conditions."

If the authorized management allows early departure, there is no sin. If it is not authorized, its permission is disregarded, and one must remain until the end of working hours unless one fears harm by staying alone, in which case departure is permissible with notification to the responsible authority.

Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen said: "If the work is time-bound, then you must spend all the time, even if you have no tasks. If the direct manager agrees, and he has the right to do so, then there is no sin. If he does not have the right, then his permission is of no benefit."

The actual departure time must be recorded. If the supervisor insists on signing otherwise, there is no sin.