Marrying a foundling

Q 3: my nephew, who works in the National Commercial Bank, proposed to marry a woman who is under my guardianship. He earns a living from his work in a bank. I do not know whether his money is Halal (lawful) or Haram (prohibited). Is it permissible for me to accept his proposal? Please reply.

A: Working for usurious banks is impermissible, as it entails collaboration in sin and transgression. Allah (Exalted be He) states, Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwâ (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. The earnings attained from such work are ill-gotten gains. You are obliged, as her Waliy (a legal guardian representing the bride), to (Part No. 18; Page No. 196) marry her to a suitor whose commitment to Islam and trustfulness are acceptable, and reject anyone who does not possess these qualities. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!