What is the ruling of the Sharia on continuing to work in usurious banks to pay off outstanding debts, and are acts of worship accepted in this situation?

It is permissible for you to continue working at a usurious bank and consume from its earnings to the extent necessary to alleviate dire need, provided that leaving the job would lead you into a compelling necessity. This is based on the Almighty's saying: "And He has already explained to you what He has forbidden to you, except for that which you are compelled to."

However, if leaving the job does not result in a dire necessity, then you must leave it immediately. Nevertheless, leaving usurious work despite dire need, out of reliance on God, is better for one whose heart is filled with reliance, certainty, and patience.

Consuming unlawful earnings affects the acceptance of acts of worship, especially supplication. The supplication of a servant who strives to consume lawful earnings is closer to acceptance. It is narrated in the noble Hadith: "Indeed, Allah is good and accepts only what is good." And it was mentioned about a man who undertakes a long journey and supplicates, yet his food, drink, and clothing are unlawful, and he is nourished by the unlawful – how can his supplication be answered?

Consuming unlawful earnings corrupts deeds and prevents their acceptance. Imam Ibn Kathir was asked about this and said: "Eating from lawful earnings is a reason for the acceptance of supplication and worship, just as eating from unlawful earnings prevents the acceptance of supplication and worship."

All of this applies in the absence of necessity. However, in times of dire necessity, necessities permit the forbidden. Most scholars agree on the prohibition of working in usurious banks, and this has been detailed in numerous fatwas.