What is the ruling on dealing with banks that charge fees on accounts when the balance falls below a certain limit, and what is the ruling on depositing money in non-Islamic banks?
Deposits in banks are considered a loan (qard) Islamically. It is impermissible for the bank to take fees for safekeeping and withdrawal if it differentiates between depositors, because "every loan that draws a benefit is usury (riba)." However, if the fees are for real, defined services and are proportionate to them, then they are permissible.
Depositing money in non-Islamic banks is not permissible as it constitutes cooperation in sin, except in cases of extreme necessity, such as fear of losing the money and the absence of an Islamic bank. In such a case, it is permissible to deposit the money only in a current account to the extent of the necessity, while disbursing any interest earned for the benefit of Muslims.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 33041
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy