Working in Riba-based banks

Q: I work at the Bank of Alexandria. It is well known that Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) and His Messenger (peace be upon him) have prohibited Riba (usury). The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) cursed the devourer of Riba, its payer, its scribe and its two witnesses. It is well known that most banks throughout the Muslim world are interest-based and that some are constructed for this specific purpose. So, what is your opinion regarding the permissibility of working at these banks? While some scholars in the Arab Republic of Egypt permit working in these banks, other scholars prohibit it.

A: The prohibition of Riba is emphasized in the Qur'an, Sunnah (the Hadiths reported from the Prophet) and Ijma` (consensus of scholars). (Part No. 15; Page No. 47) Prohibition of writing down a usurious contract, or serving as a witness to it and other similar procedures have also been emphasized in the Prophet's Hadith. Accordingly, getting a job at usury-based banks is prohibited as this involves facilitating procedures of concluding usurious contracts in terms of exchange or delivery of usurious dealings, writing down promissory notes, guarding the banks and other similar jobs. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwâ (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.