Interest and usury

Q: I needed to ask that I have completed my BBA(H) just now. During the course, I wasn't practising Islam - the only true religion that much. From since 19 years, I had been living with my mother only as my parents separated from each other when I was only 5. Since then, she had been bearing my expenses. I have a sister too who got married few months ago. We live at our late grandmother's house. My mother got her share from her dad's property and all money was saved in to national savings scheme which made her get different saving certificates that included some interest. I never know that much about Islam. Though I was aware of the prohibition of forbidden interest in Islam. But I wasn't that much involved in Islam. I was a Muslim by name only. But now, I am getting much more involved in Islam. I pray 5 times a day and recite and even memorise Qur'an which I try my best to do so. Since then, I try to ignore all that is illegal in Islam. After the completion of BBA, my mother and sister expects from me to do a job. I once applied for a bank. Now they have called me for an interview. But, I rejected them. Once again, I got an offer from another bank through PR. And my family is just insisting on me, teasing me 24/7 to work there as I am not finding any job nowadays. My mother just wants a good future for me and needs to witness the circumstances which she ever desired for. I am getting an extremist in accordance with my religion. I am getting disturbed day by day. As they are almost taunting me, every single moment of my life. I have applied for halaal jobs like marketing or any other job, but I am not getting any proper response. As mentioned before, I am the only male member of my family. And, I have to support my family but since I was not in to Islam, I try to repent to Allah Ta'ala for my previous sins. Now I can't go for another major Sin. Please advice me. Suggest me considering me in place of your son. I am totally disturbed and not in my normal mental state now. It is also important to note that all of my education of BBA is from the interest amount, certificates and the principal amount. I wasn't much in to Islam before. That means my knowledge is also Haram? I am just not able to sleep. I am not just able to live my life. Please advice me and kindly give me a reply as soon as you read my message. 

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A: Repent to Allah Ta'ala for your past and make a firm resolve that you will not have any involvement with interest and usury in the future. The bank is a riba based system which opposes and contravenes the command of Allah Ta'ala. Hence it is impermissible for you to take employment in a bank as you will be aiding in sin. Riba is so abhorred and resented in the sight of Allah Ta'ala that the Ulama' explain that there is no sin recorded in the Qur'an that is more severe than the sin of riba. Allah Ta'ala openly declares war with a person involved in such a sin:

فَإِن لَم تَفعَلوا فَأذَنوا بِحَربٍ مِنَ اللَّـهِ وَرَسولِهِ ﴿٢٧٩﴾

If you do not do so [desist from dealing in interest] then be prepared to wage a war against Allah and His rasul (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

Imagine a person who is on a war path with Allah Ta'ala, then can such a person ever be successful? Bring your life in accordance to the Mubaarak Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallahahu Alayhi Wasallam), refrain from sin and make dua to Allah Ta'ala to bless you with a halaal source of income.

After you five daily Salaah recite the following two duas dua:

رَبِّ إنّى مَغلوبٌ فَانتَصِرْ

O Allah! Indeed I am overpowered, so do assist me.

اَللَّهُمَّ اكْفِنِيْ بِحَلَالِكَ عَنْ حَرَامِكَ وَأَغْنِنِيْ بِفَضْلِكَ عَمَّنْ سِوَاكَ

O Allah, you suffice me with halal and make me independent from haraam, and through your grace make me self-sufficient and independent of everyone besides you.

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

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)