What is the ruling on working in the Human Resources (HR) department of a conventional bank?

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Question:
What is the ruling on working in the Human Resources (HR) department of a conventional bank?

Answer:


Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ‘ala rasulillah,

Riba (usury/interest) is categorically forbidden in Islam, by Qur’an, Sunnah, and ijma‘. The Prophet ﷺ cursed the one who consumes riba, the one who pays it, the one who records it, and those who witness it, saying: “They are all the same.” (Muslim). The Qur’an states: “Do not assist one another in sin and transgression.” (al-Ma’idah 5:2).

  • Fiqh council rulings:
    • The Islamic Fiqh Council (MWL, Makkah) and the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA) have both concluded that working in conventional banks is prohibited in principle, since every department contributes to the functioning of a riba-based institution.
    • They allow only a narrow exception in cases of genuine necessity (darurah), provided the job does not involve writing, executing, witnessing, or overseeing riba contracts, and that the person actively seeks permissible alternatives.
  • Application to HR:
    • The HR department supports and sustains the bank’s workforce, thereby enabling the continuation of riba-based operations.
    • Thus, the default ruling is prohibition.
    • Exception: In cases of necessity (e.g., no other livelihood), it may be tolerated temporarily if:
      1. The HR role is limited to general administrative tasks.
      2. The worker has no oversight or involvement with riba contracts.
      3. He is committed to finding halal employment as soon as possible.

And Allah knows best.

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