Do you have a moral and religious issue as a professional to work in the banking sector ? This is for professional people of Islamic faith.

I've not had the pleasure of working in the banking sector as yet, however from a personal business view-point the issue of "Riba" can be an ethical dilemma for muslim businessmen. I will definitely be conflicted and hessitant over any banking operation involving Riba in transactions or services. Business aside, from an islamic prespective it is by far one of the worst sins and it's grave to an extent that Allah eza wa jal has declared war against the one who consumes, offers, accepts or deals in Riba in anyway. Personally being a muslim (Though i'm one of modern thought) i simply cannot bring myself to sacrifice my belief for a job.

 

A Real Life Example: During my college days i've had the opportunity to work with one of the leading call centers in Pakistan by the name of "TRG" (The Resource Group) where they had many projects from the fortune500 companies. I left the job when i realized i had to market products that were "adult" in nature e.g. offering such channels to consumers in the United States. Previously i was involved with customer services in the same group, However with the change in project i was extremely uncomfortable and eventually ended up making the decision to quit the job. The package being offered to me was sensational , however the religious implications outweighed the professional benefits. I resigned in the morning and that very same evening i got an interview call from one of the largest organizations in Pakistan.

 

Apologies for the prolonged answer, to sum it up: For me it would depend on the job and the nature of work, if it doesn't involve dealing in Riba i would be happy to offer my services otherwise Allah offers other opportunities for those who strive in his path. (Alhamdulillah)

i have no issues as long as its islamic bank.

 

Yes surely I for one would never work in banking sector until im sure there is not a penny of interest involved in its transactions. Sadly in the middle east im seeing rampant interest transactions in banks with islamic names. Sigh !

I am not qualified to issue a statement and I advise you to ask specialists. Personally, I see that all Islamic countries have banks where a lot of locals work and there are muslims working in banks abroad. I think that it is rather impossible to say all these are violating thier religion.

Hi Oomar,

I have no professional banking experience as such to contribute knowingly, except for being a private & business basic user of banks & their basic services. I also do not have the religious, or the moral “designation” to cast a useful vote on this issue. It should be left within the tolerated realm of a private opinion/choice.

 

I suspect, however, that having thoughts towards banking by some people will not add to (or subtract from) that fact that most people around the world, including the “objectors” themselves, Muslim or non-Muslim, are frequent/daily users of main stream banking services which have become an inextricable part of our day life, offering accounts, facilitating transactions & financing businesses.

 

Some may speak of a private experience or inside knowledge about practices. Mine, herein, is insufficient & very main stream.

Dear Oomar Elias First of all,there is no moral and religious issue for non-muslim person but Being a muslim profesional person Yes ,It is moral and regious issue,specially those are working in the Banking sector,because of Riba matter is againts with our Islamic faith and believe.But now a days this problem almost has been solved,while introduced the Islamic Banking system seperately under the principles of Islamic Shariah and Ulma Board.Hopefully you will be find out your answere. 

Riba at all is Haram in islam and banking can't be cleaned from Riba100%

Depends on job nature and direct involvement with interest..

For many there are2 school of thoughs i.e. either you hate it or you ignore it! For some there is another way of thinking which is know your job role and how you are important for bank. If your job is customer handling and dealing with operational side of bank then it is fine otherwise it is purely un-religious!

 

But it depends on person to person and thinking to thinking...Must say no1 is wrong and either agree that every1 is right! 

 

It was my personal observation and gone through this during my tenure in banking sector

Conventional Banking systems followed conceptually based on RIBA is haram and whoever working in relation to its processing, operations, either distribution or marketing of banking products either in Financial control, audit, or any other support functions is haram. However, Allah knows the BEST and HE may provides all Muslims to seek alternative employments and avoid involvement in haram activities.

 

On my personal note, I have been employed for over30 years in the commercial banking industry but always wanted to work for an Islamic bank and still working to obtain an appropriate job.