What is the ruling on dealing with usurious banks due to the absence of an Islamic alternative, and on using deferred credits and receiving bills of exchange that pass through usurious banks and incur commissions and interest? And what is the ruling on traveling to Europe for work, where one fears falling into situations that conflict with Islamic Sharia, such as shaking hands, which might lead to misunderstanding and criticism?

It is permissible for a Muslim to open a current account in a usurious bank out of necessity and in the absence of an Islamic alternative, and the account should be transferred immediately upon the availability of such an alternative. As for the letter of credit, if the client fully possesses the financing, it is permissible for the usurious bank to act as an agent for a known fee, out of necessity. However, if the client does not possess the full amount, then what the bank takes is considered a usurious and forbidden loan, and it is not permissible to deal with it. Commercial dealings with non-Muslims are permissible, provided that the rulings of Islam are adhered to. Shaking hands with a foreign woman is not permissible, and one must lower the gaze when speaking to her, only out of necessity.