Banking: Working Abroad in Ribā-Based Banking and Legitimacy of Salary

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Banking: Working Abroad in Ribā-Based Banking and Legitimacy of Salary

English:

Question #1932:

I am a bank employee, working in a branch abroad. By virtue of being in that country, we have to abide by the rules and regulations applied in the banking system, among which is handling ribā-based transactions. Is it permissible for me to work as part of that banking system? If so, what is the view on the salary I receive from the income of that branch of the bank?

Answer #1932:

Generally speaking, there is no objection to accepting the task. However, it is not permissible to handle ribā-based transactions. Any wages or salary paid for that particular work cannot be accepted. Yet, there is no harm in taking receipt of the salary that is given to you from the income of the bank branch, barring the knowledge of any illicit money within the salary you receive.

-Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Importance and Conditions of Banking