Working in Banks - is it Haram?

Is having a Bank job forbidden in Islam?

Thank you so much for your Email and your question regarding Islam. It is wonderful to see people like yourself taking the time and interest to learn more about the correct teachings of Islam. This in itself is a sign of guidance from the Almighty Above. May He grant us the wisdom to know the right knowledge and the ability to put it into practice, Ameen.

Now as regards your question: "Is working in a bank job - Haram?"

Bismillah Al Hamdulillah was Salat was Salam ala Rasulillah. Allahu Alim.
To continue:

Yes, working in a standard bank under western banking rules and regulations is most likely Haram and might pose a problem for a Muslim seeking to fulfill Allah's Rights over Him, in that most banking jobs would be related in some way to making money through what is known as "usury" or "Riba" in Arabic. This is strictly forbidden in the Quran and according to Islamic Law it is something to be avoided at all costs.

The problem is for many of us living today, we can hardly avoid coming into contact with this type of banking. All of us have to put our money somewhere and certainly we would have to agree that keeping money in a sock or a money belt can at times be quite inconvenient, not to mention dangerous.

The situation of a person working in a bank and earning their living from it is also very bad for a Muslim and they should be looking for something better for them as soon as possible. It might mean taking a pay cut to some extent, yet that would be better in the eyes of Islam than to continue to earn money from Haram (forbidden) sources.

“Allah destroys interest and gives increase for charities. And Allah does not like every sinning disbeliever.” [Noble Quran 2:276]

We recommend you to contact your local imam or scholarly and then discuss in detail your situation and ask them to help you come to a better situation for the sake of Allah, insha’Allah.

Allah is the All-Knower and we ask Him to guide all of us to the good of this life and the good of the Next Life, Ameen.

Again, it is only Allah who has All Knowledge. May He forgive me my mistakes and guide us all to the right way, Ameen.

Jazak Allah Khayr and may Allah continue to guide you, Ameen. Wa As-Salam Alaykum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh,

Your Brother in Islam,
Sheikh Yusuf Estes