What is the ruling on usurious banking transactions with banks in non-Islamic countries that impose a usurious system, given the absence of an Islamic alternative for Muslims?
Dealing with usury is a grave sin, and its practitioner is at war with Allah and His Messenger. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, cursed the one who consumes usury, the one who pays it, its scribe, and its two witnesses. Usury is not permissible except in dire necessity. If a person resides in a non-Islamic country where transactions are only conducted with usury, and they need to engage in such transactions, and they are able to travel to a country where usury does not exist, then traveling becomes obligatory for them. However, if they cannot relocate and are compelled to deposit their money in banks, then there is no sin upon them, but they must take the interest and dispose of it for the benefit of Muslims.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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