Answer
Salam Dear Reader,
Thank you so much for consulting Ask About Islam.
We’re very pleased with this question and with everyone who is trying to leave what is impure and suspicious for what is halal, pure and pleasing to Allah (Glorified and Exalted).
May Allah reward you for wanting to earn a halal living, and may He increase you in goodness and reward you in this life and the next. Ameen.
With regards to your question, I do personally know someone who gave up interest money and stopped dealing with banks that deal in usury despite fearing loss of money. When that person did that, Allah opened more doors of halal income to him that exceeded whatever interest he was making.
So, don’t fear poverty or fear loss. These feelings are from the Shaitan.
“Satan threatens you with poverty and orders you to immorality, while Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.” [Quran 2: 268].
On this note also I remember an answer given by renowned Egyptian Scholar Mohammad Metwally As-Shaarawi. He was asked a similar question by a person who makes money through an impure job. That person wanted to leave the job, but was hesitant because there wasn’t an alternative available for him at that moment. The sheikh replied:
“Allah ordered us to have taqwa first (fearing Allah and being conscious of Him), and then He will provide the way out. So the way out will come after we have taqwa and leave the haram. We shouldn’t wait until the way out is provided. We should be concerned about having taqwa, this is our job and what is required from us; the rest is upon Allah.”
This is a reflection of the verses in the Quran that says:
“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, fear only Allah, and rely upon Him. Leave that which is haram or suspicious for what is halal and pure; and Allah will surely open doors for you.
Also remember the words of Allah in the Quran and His warning to those who consume usury. We read in Suratul Baqarah, Chapter 2:
“(275) Those who consume interest cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, “Trade is [just] like interest.” But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest. So whoever has received an admonition from his Lord and desists may have what is past, and his affair rests with Allah. But whoever returns to [dealing in interest or usury] – those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein.
(276) Allah destroys interest and gives increase for charities. And Allah does not like every sinning disbeliever.
(277) Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.
(278) O you who have believed, fear Allah and give up what remains [due to you] of interest, if you should be believers.
(279) 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.
(280) And if someone is in hardship, then [let there be] postponement until [a time of] ease. But if you give [from your right as] charity, then it is better for you, if you only knew.
(281) And fear a Day when you will be returned to Allah. Then every soul will be compensated for what it earned, and they will not be treated unjustly.” [Quran 2: 275-281]
There are currently so many Islamic Banks and Islamic Finance companies worldwide. I would advise you to search the internet for such Islamic institutions in your locality.
We hope we gave you something to think about and encourage you to pursue what is halal and forsake anything that is suspicious, insha’Allah.
Salam and please keep in touch.