PETALING JAYA: Muslims may work in conventional banks in times of emergency or when there is a lack of alternative employment, says Penang mufti Wan Salim Nor.
He said this shows Islamic law is flexible and always takes into account the changeable nature of life.
“It should be known that times of emergency or great need allow for exceptions from the usual religious law,” Wan Salim added.
“This is a temporary allowance, not a permanent one.”
Wan Salim was commenting on the recommendation by Federal Territories mufti Luqman Abdullah for Muslim employees at conventional banks to move to jobs that are considered “halal”.
Luqman had explained that employees at conventional banks can be divided as follows – those who work directly with transactions that have elements of riba, or usury, which is haram; and those that do not work directly with such transactions.
He said that even though there may be difficulty with finding employment, Muslims should make every effort to avoid or leave “haram places of work”.
“Try to find jobs that are legal under Islamic law. Once you can find a job that is appropriate and halal, you can leave your old haram workplace,” he told FMT.
