May the peace and mercy of Allah be upon you,

1 – Does the issue of working at a bank fall within the scope of permissible juristic differences?

2 – Is the ruling on working in a particular section at the bank that has a direct relation to riba (like the lending section for loans with interest) would that be like working in another section which is less directly related (like the post office or reception)?

3 – Would the common people who work at these banks be excused?

4 – What is the ruling on their salaries?

5 – What should their families (children, wives) do?

6 – What is the ruling on the wages a person earns by dealing with them when he knows, like somebody who gives lessons to the children of a man who works at the bank, when he knows what he does?

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful,

All praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessing be upon the Messenger of Allah, upon his household, his companions and true followers. To proceed:

The Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA) held its fifth conference in Bahrain, entitled, "Which Trades, Jobs and Professions are Permissible and Which Ones are Prohibited," and among the topics discussed were those that pertain to working at interest-based banks. One of the decisions in that regard was:

The rule on working at interest-based banks is that it is not lawful, due to the curse of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) on the devourer of interest, the one who pays it, the one who writes [the contract] and both witnesses. He said, "They are alike." However, exigent circumstances must be taken into consideration, as long as the need is assessed according to its extent and steps are taken to put an end to the situation. Fiqh councils have made allowances for those who do not find lawful work to work in places where the halal and the haram are mixed, provided that they are not directly involved with the prohibited action and that they make a concerted effort to search for another job, free of dubious aspects. AMJA does not see anything to prevent this ruling from being applied to work in interest-based banks, so allowance is made for work in fields that do not deal directly with riba, whether in writing, witnessing or direct, intentional assistance for any of that.

On that basis, the ruling on working at these banks is that it is prohibited, except in the presence of exigent need. Whoever is compelled by extreme circumstances to work there must make a concerted effort to work in a section which is not involved in credit operations, so as to minimize the harm and avoid the haram to the greatest extent possible.

As for common people [non-scholars], they are addressed by the same injunctions as everyone else, except for those who have received a fatwa (formal legal opinion) stating that it is lawful to work at these banks and that is the sum total of his or her knowledge. In that case [someone who is ignorant of the correct ruling, but who has fulfilled the obligation of asking a scholar], Allah (Mighty & Majestic) might pardon him and encompass him with His Mercy. However, it is our duty to inform him, demonstrate to him the proof and dispel any misconceptions.

In regards to their children and wives, they are excused since they have no source of income except that which comes through their fathers or husbands; however, they must be diligent in offering advice and be gentle in presenting it. Perhaps Allah will open their fathers' hearts to the truth. We ask Allah to guide us all.

And Allah Almighty is the Most High, and He knows best.