Ads by Muslim Ad Network

Please Mom and Work For a Bank or Listen to My Heart

10 October, 2016
Q I really don't want to work in a bank because it deals in riba (interest/usury) and I don't want to be part of this. But it is the only job available for me now and my Mom is pressuring me to accept it because the pay is high. Should I listen to my Mom and accept the job or should I listen to my heart and avoid something unlawful that I'm uncomfortable?

Answer

Salam Dear Sister,

Thank you so much for this great question and for contacting Ask About Islam.

Of course in Islam, parents -and especially mothers- are highly regarded and Allah Himself enjoins upon us the excellent treatment of our parents.

“And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.
But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness and follow the way of those who turn back to Me [in repentance]. Then to Me will be your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do.” ( Quran 31: 14- 15)

So as you see from the instructions of Allah Almighty, we have to be kind and dutiful to parents, we do not have to obey them when they ask us to do something that is wrong or unlawful. In this case, being part of riba because the pay is high is not lawful because Allah said:

“Say, “Not equal are the evil and the good, although the abundance of evil might impress you.” So fear Allah, O you of understanding, that you may be successful.” (Quran 5: 100 )

So we shall not be impressed by the abundance of wealth from riba if it’s through means that are displeasing to Allah because this wealth will not have barakah from Him.

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

Allah said:

“O you who have believed, fear Allah and give up what remains [due to you] of interest, if you should be believers.
And if you do not, then be informed of a war [against you] from Allah and His Messenger. But if you repent, you may have your principal – [thus] you do no wrong, nor are you wronged.” (Quran 2: 278-279)

The instructions of Allah Almighty are very clear, serious and alarming in this matter. Riba has major negative consequences and it includes major injustice and imbalance. We know of people who have become enslaved by the burden of having to pay back bank interests. We know of people who face jail because of inability to pay debts caused by riba interests.

There are people whose lives and homes have been destroyed because of Riba debts for banks. So even if you are not personally dealing with/in Riba in the bank, but you’re aiding an organization that deals in something that is sinful in principle and Allah has forbade. Allah said:

“….And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.” ( Quran 5:2)

So, do not accept this of course and know that Allah is The Ultimate Source of Rizq (sustenance and provision) and if you leave something for His Sake, then He will open doors for you just as He said:

“…And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out
And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.” (Quran 65: 2-3)

So, we pray that Allah opens more halal doors for you that would suffice you. Please continue to be dutiful to your Mother and be creative in doing so, maybe bring her a small gift or send her a sweet message or buy her flowers so she won’t be too saddened or angry with you. And give her kind words showing her that you care about her and appreciate her caring about you.

But remind her that Allah cares about you both the most and anything that He forbade is for your own benefit as it’s something that is not right or pure or essentially good for you in this life or the next. And He is The All Knowing.

May Allah facilitate all your affairs for you and increase the love between you and your mother.

Hope this helps. Please keep in touch.

Salam.

About Dina Mohamed Basiony
Dina Mohamed Basiony is a writer based in Cairo, Egypt. She specializes in Islam and spirituality. Dina holds an MA and BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from the American University in Cairo.