Is it obligatory to inquire, when applying for a job, whether the factory deals with bank interest or insures its property, knowing that the factory stipulates a three-year employment contract with a financial penalty clause?

There is no obligation to inquire about the factory's dealings with usurious banks or its insurance of its properties. There is no objection to working there if the work is permissible and free from prohibitions. As for the penalty clause, if it is an end-of-service bonus, there is no objection to it. If it is a deduction from the worker for his delay or separation, then Fatwa no. 88828 should be consulted regarding it. If it is something else, it must be clarified for a response. For more information about the penalty clause, Fatwa no. 49178 should be consulted.