Working for banks

Q: Is Banking job in UK prohibited? Few relatives are saying I must quit bank job immediately as this is Haram. I have concern when Saudi Arabia is Shariah based country than why their banking system is interest based.

A: The majority dealings of all conventional banks are in total contradiction with the laws of Shari'ah. Their main operation revolves around interest and usury. Hence one should refrain from taking employment in any bank that provides loans on interest regardless of whether the bank is in UK, Saudi Arabia or any other place. However if one is involved in the haraam activities of the bank e.g. providing interest-bearing loans etc, then one should sincerely repent and look for a halaal source of income. If one is employed for some activity which is not against the Shariah e.g. sweeping, guarding etc. then though one's income is halaal, however being part of an interest-based operation is detestable. 

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)