Eating From Homes Of Bank Employees

A1) It is a known fact that majority of the bank’s income is from interest. Hence, if it is known with certainty that majority of their income is from a Haraam source (i.e. from the salaries earned from working in the bank), then it will not be permissible to eat at their homes. However, if it is known that the salaries earned from working in the insurance companies do not form part of the majority of their income (i.e. 51% or more), then it will permissible to eat at their homes.

A2) You may respectfully explain to them that the income of the one who works in a bank is Haraam. Therefore, you do not want to jeopardise your Ibaadah and Dua by allowing something to enter your stomach which is Haraam. The Quraan Sharif states:

“O Messengers! Eat of the pure things and carry out righteous actions. Indeed, I am aware of what you do.”

Mufti Shafi Saheb Rahimahullah mentions under the Tafseer of this verse that, if one eats Halaal, he will be given the ability to do good deeds, and if he consumes Haraam or doubtful food, then the Haraam or doubtful food will lead him towards sin. The Duas of such a person is rejected. This clearly indicates towards the importance of consuming Halaal.

Consider the following Hadith in which Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam expounded on the harms of consuming Haraam:

It is narrated from Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu that Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, “Almighty Allah is Pure and only accepts that which is pure. And verily Allah Ta’ala has commanded the believers that which He has commanded the Messengers. Allah Ta’ala states, ‘O Messengers! Eat of the Tayyibaat (pure and wholesome) and perform righteous deeds.’ Allah Ta’ala states, ‘O you who believe! Eat of the pure (lawful things) that We have provided you.’ Then Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam mentioned a person who undertakes a lengthy journey due to which he is disheveled and dusty. He spreads out his hands towards the sky saying, ‘O Rabb! O Rabb!’, whereas his food is Haraam, his drink is Haraam, his clothing is Haraam, and he has been nourished with Haraam; so how will his Dua be answered?”