Getting a job at usury-based banks

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Q: I am a Muslim from New Zealand. I would like to ask about some problems related to banks. I hear some Muslims here say that dealing with banks is Haram (prohibited), but I do not know which, among its departments, are completely Haram or perhaps just part of them. I work in a bank in the overseas transactions department, which specializes in export and import. I heard some people say that the Haram transactions are in the current accounts and banking credits departments, because the interest there is equal to Riba (usury) in Islam. What is the ruling on this matter and please give the reasons for it being Haram, (Part No. 15; Page No. 48) if it is, or Halal?

A: It is obligatory on a Muslim to work in a Mubah (permissible) job, to earn a Halal income. Muslims should not work in banks that deal with Riba, because this is assisting these banks to perform Riba-based transactions. They should not cooperate with them in any way, such as recording, witnessing, guarding, etc., as this is cooperating in sin and transgression. Allah (Exalted be He) prohibits this kind of cooperation when He says: Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwâ (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is Severe in punishment. Interest-based loans and deposits are both among the Riba-based transactions that are done in banks. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.