Is working in the field of economics or in traditional banks, such as the National Bank in England, unlawful due to dealing with Riba (usury/interest), and what are five permissible professions that someone specialized in economics can pursue?
A Muslim's residence in a non-Muslim country entails significant risks to one's religion and morals. The Prophet only permitted it under certain conditions, the most important of which is the ability to openly practice one's religion. Studying "Economics" and "Business Administration" is permissible as knowledge, but the pitfalls lie in the nature of many of their subjects related to usury (riba), bonds, and insurance, which narrow down job opportunities due to the prevalence of usurious dealings. Working in usurious banks is forbidden. As for companies and institutions with permissible activities that nonetheless involve forbidden dealings, it is permissible to work in them in a department that is far removed from directly engaging in or assisting in forbidden acts. The science of "Mathematics," learning it, and teaching it, is safer and does not involve direct usury. It is suggested to work in teaching mathematics, or in departments of permissible companies that have no connection to forbidden transactions, or in money exchange (sarf) with its regulations, or in Islamic companies, or in monitoring and auditing the work of permissible companies, or in freelance work such as buying and selling.
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