What is the ruling on working in a usurious bank that has an independent department for Islamic services, which undertakes financing in which the client submits a request for a specific car, then signs a purchase agreement with the bank after the bank buys it, with the client bearing all damages if he breaches his agreement, knowing that the bank has not yet acquired the car? And what is the legitimate possession (حيازة شرعية) and its controls?

Working in usurious banks is not permissible. However, an independent administration within the bank that operates according to Islamic Sharia is permissible to work with and deal with, because the relationship between it and the usurious bank is like the relationship between two shops belonging to one person, one selling prohibited items and the other permissible items. Dealing with the latter is permissible.

Obligating the client to bear the damages resulting from their retraction from a promise is permissible to prevent harm to the financing entity, because a binding promise necessitates fulfillment unless there is an excuse. The obligation is fulfilled either by executing the promise or by compensating for the damage.

Islamic banks can request a deposit (earnest money) from the client to ensure their seriousness and to prevent harm. This deposit is deducted from the price upon completion of the transaction or taken as compensation for damages in case of retraction without a valid reason.

As for Shariah-compliant possession, it differs depending on the sale. In the case of a car, it is sufficient for a bank representative to inspect it, and then it can be left with the company or showroom until it is sold to the client.