Work at the Bank of England

Q 1: What is the ruling on working in banks?

A: Most of the transactions which are carried out by banks nowadays involve Riba (usury/interest) which is Haram (prohibited) according to the Qur'an, the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet), and Ijma` (consensus of scholars). Moreover, the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated that whoever helps a person who pays or devours Riba by writing or witnessing for them and so on, (Part No. 15; Page No. 39) will share with them in receiving the curse of Allah (Exalted be He) and being driven from His Mercy. It is related in the Sahih (authentic) book of Hadith of Muslim and others on the authority of Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him): The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) cursed the devourer 'taker' of Riba, the one who pays it, the one who writes it and its two witnesses. He (peace be upon him) said, ‘They are all equal (in sin).’ The people who work in banks are helping the owners to manage their transactions by means of writing, registering, witnessing, or transferring papers. They are also helping to deliver or receive money and carry out many other tasks that involve helping usurers. Accordingly, it is Haram to work in banks; and Muslims should avoid doing so. Rather, Muslims should exert every effort to earn their livelihood in any one of the many available Halal (lawful) ways but they should not make themselves subject to the curse of Allah (Exalted be He) and His Messenger. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.