Is it permissible for me to work

Q: I used to work in a bank, the Saudi Hollandi Bank, which I joined one year after graduating from high school and I worked there for six or seven months. One of my friends told me that it was Haram (prohibited) to work in a bank, because some of its transactions are based on Riba (usury/interest). So I left the bank and joined the Saudi Airlines as a student. I want to ask about the salary that I received for the seven months while working at the bank; was it Haram? I only worked as an employee and received my salary in return for my efforts. Am I required to give all the money I received while working there as Sadaqah (voluntary charity) or is it enough that I left the job?

A: If the reality is as you have mentioned, that you left the job after being told that it was not permissible to work in a bank, there is no problem with the salary that you received in return for your work for the stated period. You are not required to pay it as Sadaqah; and it is enough that you should perform Tawbah (repentance to Allah) for this and may He forgive you and us. This is because Allah (Glorified be He) says: ...whereas Allâh has permitted trading and forbidden Ribâ (usury). So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Ribâ (usury) shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allâh (to judge) (Part No. 15; Page No. 51) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.