Is it permissible for an employee sent for training, who has considerable free time due to the nature of the training and not the work itself, to leave the workplace early and make use of their time? What is the impact of this on their salary in terms of permissibility, impermissibility, and blessings? And is it permissible for them to browse the internet and read newspapers during work hours?

It is not permissible for an employee to leave work before the end of official working hours, because the salary is in exchange for remaining at work for the agreed-upon period, whether there is work to be done or not. Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen and Sheikh Ibn Jibreen have issued fatwas stating that this is not permissible, and that the agreed-upon time must be fulfilled; otherwise, receiving the salary would be invalid. As for browsing websites or reading newspapers, there is no harm in it if it is done after completing the required tasks and does not impede work.