Q 1: What is the ruling on working for tobacco companies? And what is the ruling on working for banks that deal with Riba (usury/interests)?

A: First: Smoking tobacco is Haram (prohibited), (Part No. 15; Page No. 40) therefore working in producing tobacco through planting or manufacturing it, and selling and buying it is Haram in the same way as smoking it. So, earning money from trading in tobacco is Haram. Accordingly, a Muslim should seek what is lawful with regard to their earning, food, drink, clothing and giving to charity, for Allah is Pure and He, thus, accepts only what is pure. Second: Riba is Haram according to the Qur'an, Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet), and Ijma` (consensus of scholars). Thus, a Muslim should avoid it and avoid working for banks dealing with it, to protect their Din (religion of Islam) and be safeguarded from what Allah and His Messenger have prohibited. They also should ask Allah to facilitate a means of lawful earning for them, Allah (Exalted be He) says, And whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allâh, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allâh will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allâh has set a measure for all things. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.