As for the interest-based loans

Q: A. Is working in banks, especially in Muslim countries, Halal (lawful) or Haram (prohibited)? B. Is it true what people say that it is Halal to work in certain bank departments, and which are they, if this is true?C. If Zakah (obligatory charity), Hajj, ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage), and charitable projects are paid from salaries paid to bank employees, are they unacceptable and not rewarded by Allah?D. What is the best way to earn a Halal livelihood, given that the suspicion of Riba (usury/interest) is cast on most jobs now?E. What is your opinion about the modern Islamic banks; are their practices any different from other banks?

A: First: Working in Riba-based banks is Haram, whether they are in an Islamic or a non-Islamic country, as this is cooperating (Part No. 15; Page No. 56) in the sin and transgression that Allah forbade in His Saying: Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwâ (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. Second: There are no departments in Riba-based banks that are excepted from the ruling, as far as we know from the sanctified Shari‘ah, because all the bank staff are involved in cooperating in the sin and transgression. Third: Hajj and other acts of worship offered by bank staff are valid if they are performed in the manner prescribed by the Shari‘ah (Islamic law), but the people are sinful for working in such a bank and for making use of these earnings, except for what they earned before knowing the legal ruling. They have to perform Tawbah (repentance to Allah) for this. Fourth: You will have to search for Mubah (permissible) ways of earning an income, and these are numerous - all praise be to Allah. Fifth: As to the modern Islamic banks you refer to, we do not have enough information about the way they conduct their transactions. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.