What Is the Sharia Ruling on Money Earned from Bank Interest (Riba al-Bunuk)?
Question
Salamu alaykum, I hope you are well.
I would like to ask about money kept in the bank when a person receives extra money from the bank, known as riba al-bunuk (bank interest). What is the Sharia ruling in this case? Is the money halal or haram that a person receives from the bank?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
Your question addresses a very important and sensitive matter in Islamic financial ethics. The ruling on bank interest is firmly established in the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the consensus of the scholars.
1. The Shar‘i Context
In Islam, any guaranteed increase over a loan is classified as riba, regardless of its amount or name. Modern bank interest falls directly under this definition because the depositor lends money to the bank and receives a guaranteed additional return.
Allah says:
“Allah has permitted trade and forbidden riba.”
Surat al-Baqarah 2:275
“O you who believe, fear Allah and give up what remains of riba, if you are truly believers.”
Surat al-Baqarah 2:278
These verses are decisive and leave no ambiguity regarding the prohibition of riba.
2. Scholarly Consensus
There is scholarly consensus that conventional bank interest is riba and is therefore haram. This applies whether the interest is small or large, regular or occasional.
The Prophet said:
“Allah cursed the one who consumes riba, the one who gives it, the one who writes it down, and the two who witness it.”
Sahih Muslim
3. Application to Money Received From the Bank
The extra money received from the bank over the original deposit is haram and cannot be treated as lawful earnings. It does not become halal by intention, need, or long passage of time.
However, the original deposited amount remains halal, as it is one’s own property.
4. Relevant Usul Principle
كل قرض جر نفعا فهو ربا
Every loan that brings a benefit is riba.
This principle applies directly to bank interest, as the benefit is stipulated and guaranteed.
ما حرم أخذه حرم إعطاؤه
What is forbidden to take is also forbidden to give.
Final Ruling
The additional money received from conventional banks as interest (riba al-bunuk) is haram. The original deposited money is halal, but the interest must not be used for personal benefit. It should be disposed of by giving it away to the poor or public causes without intention of reward.
A Muslim should avoid interest-based accounts and, where possible, use Sharia-compliant alternatives.
And Allah knows best.