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Fatwa CenterWorking in non-Islamic bank
Question
I work in a courier company and I face a lot of pressure in my job caused by bad treatment and the heavy duty they give me here. I cannot handle it any more Wallah. I have applied for a bank employment and they have agreed, but I have been informed that it is forbidden to work in a non-Islamic bank. I live in Um al Quwain and the bank is there also. I will save money and effort and I will not be humiliated like here. Now they are humiliating me every now and then. So please advise me is it Haram (forbidden) to work in a non-Islamic bank? Please advise as soon as possible. Waiting for you soonest reply.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
It is forbidden to work in usury-taking banks because such a work constitutes a form of co-operation in sin and transgression. Allah Says (what means): {…but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allah. …} [Quran 5:2]
It is known that the Divine threat against dealers in Riba includes every person who helps in such an action even in writing a word.
Besides, Jaabir, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet said “Allah has cursed the one who consumes Riba (i.e. usury or interest), the one who gives it to others, the one who records it and the one who witnesses it (its transaction).” He added: “All of them are equal in sin.” [Muslim]
Thus, we advise the inquirer to continue in his lawful hard work since there is a good blessing in its wages.
In addition, Sadaqa (charity) is acceptable from lawful money, and the one who is fed with lawful food, his/her supplication is likely to be answered.
Anyway, if you cannot continue in your present work, you are advised to seek for any other permissible job.
Know that Allah, The Great and Almighty, has made easy all ways of lawful livelihood to His servants and ordered them to make every effort to get it. Allah Says (what means): {It is He who made the earth tame for you - so walk among its slopes and eat of His provision - and to Him is the resurrection.} [Quran 67:15]
Allah also Says (what means): {And enjoin prayer upon your family [and people] and be steadfast therein. We ask you not for provision; We provide for you, and the [best] outcome is for [those of] righteousness).} [Quran 20:132]
Allah knows best.
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