Islamic marriage advice and family advice

Torn between supporting my family and avoiding haram work.

Working in bank, stock exchange

Asalamualekum,

I am doing free lancing these days. My mother is a single parent and my father separated from us when I was just 5. However, my mother has always supported me financially but some of the money utilized is from the defense savings certificates which is definitely riba but we had no other option. I had explained her several times but everytime she has to say the same thing that there is no other source of income and as soon as I start earning, she would definitely stop all this.

Now I am a graduate. I am seeking employment. But the thing is I wasn't involved in Islam before. Now after knowing my religion more than 50%, I know its haram to work at a bank. I got an offer from a bank to work with them. It is a conventional bank. However, I rejected that offer. Now everybody including my mother taunts me for not taking the responsibility of my family. The offer is still valid and I am extremely confused and pray to Allah to provide me an opportunity to work in an Islamic Bank atleast.

At the moment, I am working as a free lancer i.e. I make assignments for clients who are supposed to interact with my operations manager first and then he talks to me finally to take a look at the assignment and confirm it whether or not I am doing it. I came to know that there is an academic dishonesty so I am also leaving this job. But I know my mother who is partially happy for I am earning something and supporting her would definitely get annoyed for my decisions are wise in front of Allah but unwise in front of those on the earth and among me. I don't know what to do next. I am not getting any genuine advice for this. Please help me. I would be grateful to all of you for assisting me further.

Thank you. Jazak Allah.

ramiz_amin


Tagged as: , , , , , , , , ,

20 Responses »

  1. Read very very carefully,
    What you are doing currently as a freelancer is good. But since it does not matches your academic qualifications and you said that you would leave it. You can. From this freelancing if you are getting enough money to support your family then my advice is not to leave it. If you are not getting enough then leave it.

    In the mean time you must find a source for getting income and it must be a halal source. Now in your case you have a job offer from a conventional bank. And you said you rejected it. Now it is your test. Take the job and while doing the job search jobs other than this job and when you find a halal job leave this job immediately. I will not quote the fatwas that has been given by learned men. But you have to keep in mind that it is now your responsibility and the source is your liability cause it is coming from a haram source. The money will have no blessings in it. Always remember that. If you find a job while working for this conventional bank and you don't quit then you will be in a great trouble. And about Riba the Qur'an has verse which I don't like to quote here but if you read you will be really scared.

    Anyways, the choice is up to you. Allaah Helps you in your job search. Amen

    Subscribe to this web link and you will find plenty of Islamic bank jobs here,
    http://saudi-arabia.jobs-career-listing.com/
    And also on
    http://www.bayt.com/en/uae/
    http://www.bayt.com/en/saudi-arabia/

    Allaah Knows the Best!

    • As salamu alekum,
      I appreciate your reply. But I had already asked from the learned scholars and they are not allowing me to do a bank job. Even if the circumstances become worse at my side. I have been teasing my mother from since the beginning of the age of puberty. I know that by saying no, things would get even worse and the violence would continue more often. The job of free lancing is also haram and that is why I left it. I just don't know what to do in this particular case. I am extremely confused. What should I do. In case if the earned income is a liability for me and I die before it then what should I do for this. I have already read the verse of Surah Baqrah and Surah Imran regarding Riba. Thats why I asked you such question.

      • AsSalaamu Alaikum Brother,

        You seem a cautious Muslim Brother, MashaAllah.

        Today, due to the lack of the active Islamic system in the world, it seems to be hard in finding a job that is %100 free from either direct or indirect riba, especially when you live outside Muslim countries. However, there are levels. Even though most financial institutions are known to be the center point of riba, yet some scholars have exempted some Islamic financial institutions, since they are at least the nearest to the Shari'a principles than the others.

        However, before you even go look for Islamic banks, I'd suggest that you search for jobs that do not pay high. Perhaps, you may find one that is more far from riba. Even if the job does not pay high, just take it and then rely on Allah. He will surely suffice you and put baraka in the little that you earn. As Allah (swt) says, "…And whoever fears Allah—He will make a way out for him. And will provide for him from where he never expected. Whoever relies on Allah—He will suffice him. Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has set a measure to all things…..Whoever fears Allah—He will make things easy for him."
        (Quran 64: 2-4)

        If you have little money, you may also do your own personal business, and then try as much as you can to abstain from riba in your business.

        You should also seek suggestions from your local imams/muftis.

        May Allah help you, and ease things for you. Ameen!

  2. Walaikumusalam warehmatullahe wabarakatuhu!

    Read carefully,
    Regarding the learned scholars of course no one will take your liability on there shoulders. Because they knew the Qur'an verses. And you knew already how dangerous they are for you as well.

    Your answer is amazing.

    And I must say that if you were working already in a conventional bank and you could not find a halal job. They will tell you to leave as soon as you find a halal job. Okay where is the proof supporting this evidence. Here it is,

    "The one who works in a riba-based bank will inevitably be involved in one of these scenarios that were mentioned by al-Nawawi; he will either write down or record riba, or witness it, or help those who are dealing in riba in their falsehood. "
    Link: http://islamqa.info/en/101579

    You want more links here are the links,
    http://islamqa.info/en/search?key=bank+job&yt1=search

    Check them. And make a decision.

    "Verily, along with every hardship is relief” [al-Sharh 94:5-6]

    Let me know after reading what you have concluded. Insha'Allaah you will find a way. I suggest you to start teaching. Yes give tuition. Insha'Allaah you will earn a lot. Make some publicity (paper, circulars) first.

    Best regards,
    Allaah Knows the Best!

  3. Read carefully,
    Regarding the free lancing. Learned scholars have different opinions. So, I will not go into details here.

    regards,
    Allaah Knows the Best!

  4. As salamu alekum,
    Well, I haven't started my banking job yet. But the thing is that expenses are higher than our needs and it is becoming very difficult to bear the burden since my father is not there to earn and provide us. But I am getting offers from Karachi and currently I live in Hyderabad. I can't move to any other city because my mother would be all alone then and we can't shift to Karachi because then she is not willing to relocate there due to crime statistics and violence every other day in Karachi. By now, I have received several offers from Karachi and even I get 100% confirmation as a job guarantee but I am helpless. I don't know what is the way out. Is ALLAH SWT really testing me or am I making everything difficult for not taking any decision for myself. But the thing is I can't take decision on my own these days because my mother is a single parent and she is also aged. How can I leave her alone if she would need me in times of distress like anything or she becomes ill who would take care of her. May ALLAH SWT make such trials easy for me. InshAllah.

    • Wa Alaikum Salaam Warahmatullahi Wabarakaatuh,

      I do not know much about Karachi. However, if that is the only place you could get a halal job, then I'd suggest that you see whether there could be some ways for one to get security in that City, and then plan and prepare for it, while you put your trust in Allah. He will surely suffice you in all situations, inshaAllah.

      After, you are certain about the security in Karachi, talk to your mother about it, while both of you pray Istikharah.

      If Allah makes it happen and you get to Karachi, do not forget to keep up with your daily du'as and adhkar. Perhaps, you shall be surrounded with peace and security, through the refuge of The Almighty Allah.

      Are you the only son?

  5. Read carefully,
    Well, that's it. That is your call. If you have been called to Karachi then relocate to Karachi. Regarding the violence statistics in Karachi forget it. Do you think the people in Karachi have run away because of that. And if you are really afraid of Allaah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) then why such carefulness. Take your mother with you after the arrangement of house or apartment in Karachi. Since, you have firm believe in Allaah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) then there is no point to worry at all. Take the step!

    You might be worry about your current home. Don't sell it. Lock it. Or I have a great option for you. Do Nikkah now. If your mother already selected a girl for you. And she will look after your mother insha'Allaah. And you can rent a house or the company will provide you house. So, rush for it. And yes! do Istikhara as well.

    Best regards,
    Allaah Knows the Best!

  6. Bro if such options could have been possible for me then I should have selected them on my own. I can't take any decision because I had studied my BBA in Karachi while I was involved in many wrong doings except fornication. Therefore, nobody will trust me either. More than that, I can't relocate to Karachi with my mother because its near to impossible bro. Violence is just a secondary reason. The main reason is that we live in Hyderabad where majority of our relatives reside. So, she feels secure here. She doesn't feel secure there. I can't just force her because nobody is supporting my decision. In case, my uncle who is the senior member of my family in taking decisions for us, is also not willing to try my fate in Karachi for any better reason. So now I am not left with any decision. However, I just want to work there at Bank. My mother has already talked to someone who can help me in getting an employment at bank. And, I can't just tell that person secretly because my unwillingness would get exposed then. I am getting mentally disturbed now. I don't know what to do. I am just leaving the matter to ALLAH SWT and pray to HIM each and every part of the day to just close this chapter of working there because I am exactly ashamed of working there and I cant say no for the sake of extreme violence at home as we live in a flat where there live other members in different flats of the apartment.
    @Issah Yes, I am the only son.

  7. Hyderabad doesn't have so much job opportunities except Bank because there are no companies in Hyderabad as they are in Karachi.

    • Do you have any interest in relocating to the Arab world, like Saudi, Qatar, UAE etc? I think there is security in those countries. "...Was Allah’s earth not vast enough for you to emigrate in it?..." (Quran 4: 97)

  8. Yeah bro. I would love to relocate to Saudi Arabia. But for that, I need experience and I don't have it unfortunately.

    • Maybe, you should contact any Islamic bank in Saudi Arabia, and then send them your CV, in addition to a letter explaining your lack of experience, while you reassure them of good in the future, Insha'Allah. If you do so and rely on Allah, He will surly complete the rest for you.

      Again, please remember this Ayah and then reflect on it, "…And whoever fears Allah—He will make a way out for him. And will provide for him from where he never expected. Whoever relies on Allah—He will suffice him. Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has set a measure to all things…..Whoever fears Allah—He will make things easy for him."
      (Quran 64: 2-4)

  9. That verse is encouraging me and my future. 🙂
    I did send my CV to some Islamic banks in Saudi Arabia and Oman. But they just thanked me for taking an interest in their bank and otherwise, they would contact the shortlisted candidate only. And, it has been months. I know its impossible. But, ALLAH makes things possible. Well, I just hope for the best. That's it. 🙂

  10. LOVED YOUR REPLY ISSAH. MASHA'ALLAAH!
    WELL ANSWERED!

    ALLAAH KNOWS THE BEST!

  11. Dear Issah! May the Allaah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) Accept all your good deeds and make you famous on this Earth and the seven Heavens above. Amen Ya Rabb!

    Please remember me in your prayers.

    Allaah Knows the Best!

  12. Assalamu'alaikum Ramiz,

    Like Issah pointed out, working for a bank necessitates helping in riba dealings, which is equal to going on a war wth Allah and His Rasool Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.

    I suggest not to take up the bank job and continue as a freelancer until you find the right opportunity.The current times are hard to find a job, let alone a good job, you must do all you can and leave the rest to Allah, Who Has Ability to do all things. Whenever He intends a matter, all He Says is "Be!" and it becomes.

    And remember always that if you leave something for Allah's Sake, Allah Will Replace it with something better. Have complete hope in Allah and continue your search.

    Also remember that no work is a waste. Your freelancing work counts as your experience which you can mention on your CV.

    I know how hiring is happening for Islamic Banks, most of the jobs require 3 years+ experience and they prefer to hire local candidates, although they may hire outsiders as well. However, if you have relatives working somewhere, including the Gulf, you can ask them for a referral.

    Lastly, do not limit your job search to banks. There are many opportunities in finance other than in banks as well. You could look for them as well.

    Remember that when you are leaving something for Allah, you make Him Pleased. So, know that He Is with you. You need to do what you can and leave the rest to Allah, while seeking Help through patience and prayers.

    May Allah Give us sources for Halaal earnings so that we thank Him and Worship Him better. Aameen.

    Abu Abdul Bari
    IslamicAnswers.com Editor

  13. Wa alekum salam Abu Abdul Bari,
    But free lancing involves academic dishonesty as I need to make assignments for students where they show the same assignment to their instructors with their names in it. Isn't it dishonesty? And I am assisting them in this act. Don't you think that this is also haram?
    However, my educational expenses are increasing day by day and mother can't provide me adequate money for this. That is why, I am confused as what should I do next to complete my education and just utilize that money for my educational and other basic necessities.

    • Dear Brother
      Assalam-O-Alaikum

      Congratulations that Allah has already chosen you as a beloved slave
      He is your master and he gave you the right guidance in the most important matter of Halal earnings.

      Always remember that Allah's most beloved ones are the ones who are most tested by Allah and
      it's your test Don't loose hope Never Ever , Keep finding halal job and during the job search give home tuitions join any coaching centres around your residence.

      DEEN must be the number 1 priority This DUNYA is temporary Pl don't displease Allah by doing the Haraam Job - Bank Job a Big NO NO !

      Nobody will be there with you in your grave You will be facing the questions of the angels all-alone in that place and think about the Day of Judgement where Allah will deal with all his slaves separately on INDIVIDUAL-BASIS - DUNYA is only your TEST. You must PASS it.

      Regards,
      Muslimah.

Leave a Response