Fatwa ID: 07169

Answered by: Maulana Safraz Mohammad

Question:

I have been recently approached for a job at a conventional bank, working in the complaints department, so I wouldn’t be involved in any transactional processes. However, as a complaint handler I would be in a position to offer compensation from the bank. I’m currently working in a shariah compliant bank and this move would be a step up and I am not currently enjoying my role.  Therefore, my question is this permissible in islam and would my earning be halal?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer: 

The permissibility of being employed in a conventional bank as a complaint handler, call attendant or any other job, will depend on this job having no involvement in any interest based transactions.

If the job of a complaint handler does not entail being involved in an interest based transaction, then such a job will be permissible and the earnings will be halāl.  However, it is best to avoid working in such an environment. 

’’عن جابر رضي الله عنه، قال: «لعن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم آكل الربا، ومؤكله، وكاتبه، وشاهديه» ، وقال: «هم سواء ».‘‘

(الصحیح لمسلم، 3/1219، باب لعن آكل الربا ومؤكله، ط:دار احیاء التراث-بیروت)

In a Hadith, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) invoked curse on the receiver of interest, the payer of interest, the scribe and the two witnesses, and he said: “They are the same” (i.e. in sin).                                        (Sahih Muslim)

{وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ}[المائدة:2]

And do not cooperate with one another in sin and hostility. And revere Allah. Allah is severe in retribution.                      (Surah al ma’idah)

Only Allah تعالي Knows Best

Written by Maulana Safraz Mohammad

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham