Is it haram to spy on employees?

Answer (Hanafi Fiqh Perspective)

Wa’alaykumus Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

We understand the severe distress and betrayal you have experienced. Your question touches upon fundamental Islamic principles regarding privacy (sitr), prohibition of spying (tajassus), and justice (adl). Please rest assured that Islam categorically condemns the actions of your employers. Their behaviour is not only unethical but constitutes major sins (kabirah) in the sight of Allah.

1. The Prohibition of Spying and Violating Privacy

Qur’an

• Allah says:

  “O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, for some suspicion is a sin. And do not spy (tajassasu), nor backbite one another.” (Surah al-Hujurat 49:12)

• And:

  “Do not enter houses other than your own until you have asked permission and greeted their inhabitants…” (Surah an-Nur 24:27)

  • This verse establishes that even entering a home without permission is prohibited; how much more severe is hacking a phone or listening to private conversations?

Hadith

• The Prophet ﷺ said:

  “Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the most false of speech. Do not spy (tajassasu), do not compete with one another, do not envy one another, do not hate one another, and be slaves of Allah as brothers.” (Sahih Bukhari, no. 6064; Sahih Muslim, no. 2563)

• He also said:

  “Whoever listens to people’s conversation without their consent, molten lead will be poured into his ears on the Day of Resurrection.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 7042)

Hanafi Fiqh References

• Ibn Abidin (Radd al-Muhtar, 6/421) states that spying (tajassus) is haram and that it is not permissible for anyone, including authorities, to spy on others without a valid Shar’i reason (e.g., in matters of national security or criminal investigation where there is clear evidence).
• Al-Fatawa al-Hindiyyah (Fatawa Alamgiri, 5/358) says: “It is not permissible for a person to look into another person’s affairs without his permission, and spying (tajassus) is prohibited.”
• Imam al-Shaybani in al-Asl and Imam al-Tahawi confirm that privacy is a protected right (hurmat al-sitr).

Thus, hacking phones, monitoring private conversations, or any form of surveillance without a court order or clear suspicion of a serious crime is absolutely impermissible. The school’s claim of “power” over spying is false pride in sin. Islam does not support such activities in any way.

2. Psychological Harm and Oppression (Zulm)

Your trauma is a direct result of their oppression (zulm). The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Beware of oppression, for oppression will be darkness on the Day of Resurrection.” (Sahih Muslim, no. 2579)

Allah’s Justice

• Allah’s attribute al-‘Adl (The Just) ensures that every wrong will be redressed in His court. The Prophet ﷺ said:

  “The rights will be restored to their owners on the Day of Resurrection, even the hornless sheep will take revenge from the horned sheep.” (Sahih Muslim, no. 2582)

• The oppressor may feel powerful now, but Allah is the ultimate Avenger (al-Muntaqim). He says:

  “And those who do wrong will come to know by what a turn they will be overturned.” (Surah ash-Shu‘ara 26:227)

For you: Your patience and reliance on Allah will be rewarded. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever suppresses his anger while he is able to act upon it, Allah will call him before all creatures on the Day of Resurrection and let him choose whichever hur (maidens) he wishes.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, no. 4777 – hasan)

3. What Should You Do Now?

a. Do not despair of Allah’s help
Make abundant du‘a – especially the du‘a of the oppressed:

“O Allah, I am oppressed, so help me.” The Prophet ﷺ said: “The du‘a of the oppressed is answered, even if he is a sinner.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 2448)

b. Seek permissible worldly means

• If possible, lodge a legal complaint with the authorities (police or cyber-crime unit) as privacy violation is illegal in most countries. Use any evidence you have.
• Leave that workplace – it is a toxic environment. Your mental health is an Amanah (trust) from Allah.

c. Focus on your mental well-being
Consult a Muslim therapist who understands Islam. Your previous depression does not diminish your worth; seeking treatment is encouraged in Islam.

d. Remember: Allah will never let the oppressors go unpunished

• Allah says: “And never think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a Day when eyes will stare in horror.” (Surah Ibrahim 14:42)

4. Justice in Islam: Your Rights

• Your right to privacy is sacred and violated.
• Your right to mental peace is part of Islam’s protection of the intellect (hifz al-‘aql).
• Your right to fair treatment by employers is binding. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Your employees are your brothers; Allah has placed them under your authority. Whoever has a brother under his authority, let him feed him from what he eats and clothe him from what he wears, and do not burden them with work that is too heavy.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 2360) – this includes not spying on them.

Justice in this world may be delayed or not achieved, but Allah’s justice is absolute. The school will answer for every second of trauma they caused you.

5. Conclusion

Islam does not support, tolerate, or excuse their spying, privacy violations, or psychological abuse. They are committing major sins, and they are proud of their transgression – a sign of hardness of heart.

Hold fast to taqwa (consciousness of Allah) and sabr (patience). Your reward is with Allah. As Imam Abu Hanifa (rahimahullah) said: “If a person does not seek justice from Allah, from whom else can he seek it?”

May Allah expose their hypocrisy, grant you healing and comfort, and give you the best in this life and the Hereafter. Ameen.