The issue of parents’ income from conventional banking causes great anxiety for pious young Muslims who fear consuming Riba (interest) inadvertently. Many dependents worry whether their food, clothing, and even their prayers are accepted if their parents work in institutions dealing with interest. This article addresses the legal ruling on bank employment and the status of a dependent’s expenses.
Distinguishing Fatwa from Taqwa
It is a sign of deep faith (Taqwa) for a young Muslim to be concerned about the purity of their sustenance. However, Islam distinguishes between the highest level of piety (Taqwa) and the legal ruling (Fatwa).
- Fatwa provides the legal boundary of what is permissible.
- Taqwa is the choice to abstain from doubtful matters to be on the safe side.
While high caution is praiseworthy, a person is not always required to hold themselves to the strictest standard of Taqwa if the Fatwa allows for ease.
The Ruling on Bank Employment
Regarding the source of the income, prominent economists and Shari’ah scholars state that working in a conventional bank is not forbidden unless the specific job requires the person to directly write, sign, or witness a Riba contract.
Most jobs in a bank (such as IT, HR, administration, or general operations) do not involve these specific prohibited acts. Therefore, the salary earned from these roles is considered permissible because it is compensation for legitimate labor and time (working hours). Even if a bank’s primary revenue is interest-based, the employee receives their salary in exchange for lawful work.
Furthermore, it is inaccurate to assume that all bank earnings are solely from interest; banks also generate revenue through fees, commissions, and services that are permissible even in Islamic banking.
Riba is Not “Stolen” Money
It is important to distinguish between money earned through Riba and money that is stolen or usurped.
- Stolen Money: Cannot be owned or used; it belongs to the victim.
- Riba Money: Is the result of an invalid contract in Shari’ah. While the transaction is sinful, the money itself is often viewed differently when it mixes with the institution’s capital and is paid out as a salary for lawful labor.
Guidance for Dependents: Prayers and Spending
For a dependent child living with parents who work in conventional banking, the following rulings apply:
- Validity of Prayers: Since the income is considered permissible for the dependent (and potentially for the parent if they are not directly signing interest contracts), the food and clothing purchased with it are lawful. Therefore, the prayers (Salah) are valid. The warnings in Hadith regarding prayers not being accepted for 40 days apply to consuming clear Haram, whereas this situation involves permissible maintenance.
- Standard of Living: A dependent is entitled to their due share of maintenance. This is not limited to bare survival; it includes a “normal” standard of living appropriate for the family’s status. This includes good clothing, favorite foods, occasional treats, and reasonable gifts.
- Avoid Extravagance: While accepting “normal” provision is allowed, extravagance (Israf) is prohibited in Islam regardless of the source of wealth.
In summary, a dependent need not carry the burden of their parents’ financial choices. Until one becomes independent, they may consume what is reasonable without fear that their worship is invalid.
