Hukum Orang Islam Bekerja di Bank Konvensional maupun Bank Syariah | KH Zahro Wardi

Summary

In this discussion, the speaker addresses the permissibility of working in a conventional bank within Islamic law, focusing on the debate over whether interest (bunga) is considered riba (usury). The speaker explores the different scholarly opinions, with some scholars deeming conventional banking as haram due to interest, while others believe it’s permissible, provided the bank’s operations align with Islamic principles. Emphasis is placed on understanding financial transactions and ensuring that employees do not engage in prohibited activities. Ultimately, the speaker reassures those working in conventional banks that, under certain interpretations, their jobs may not be inherently forbidden.

Takeaways

• 😀 Working in a bank, especially in conventional banks, has a controversial status in Islamic law due to the potential involvement of interest (riba).
• 😀 In Islamic finance, there are two types of banks: conventional and Shariah-compliant (Islamic) banks.
• 😀 In Shariah-compliant banks, the transactions align with Islamic law, so there is no concern regarding the permissibility of working there.
• 😀 The main focus of the discussion is on working in conventional banks, which may involve transactions that are not aligned with Islamic principles.
• 😀 The practice of depositing money in conventional banks is not just 'saving' but an act of lending (qard), where the customer is considered to be lending money to the bank.
• 😀 Similarly, when borrowing from a conventional bank, the bank is considered to be lending money to the customer, which may involve paying back more than what was borrowed.
• 😀 There is a scholarly debate about whether the interest or 'bunga' received by the bank and its customers is considered riba (usury) or not.
• 😀 Some scholars argue that interest is riba, based on the hadith that says any loan that generates profit for the lender is considered riba.
• 😀 On the other hand, other scholars, including contemporary scholars like Sheikh Ali Jum'ah and Sheikh Tantawi, argue that the profit received from the bank is not riba, but a form of profit-sharing or benefit from the transaction.
• 😀 For those working in conventional banks, it's important to understand the difference in opinion among scholars and ensure that they are not participating in prohibited activities, such as engaging in riba or contributing to unlawful practices.
• 😀 Working in conventional banks can be permissible for those who follow the opinion that the transactions are not riba, especially if proper precautions are taken to avoid any unlawful practices.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the transcript?

The main topic is about the permissibility of working in a conventional bank according to Islamic law, and the differences in opinions among scholars regarding this issue.

What is the difference between a conventional bank and an Islamic bank in Indonesia?

A conventional bank deals with traditional banking practices, including interest-based transactions, while an Islamic bank operates according to Sharia law, avoiding interest (riba) and ensuring its transactions comply with Islamic principles.

What is meant by 'qardu' in the context of banking?

'Qardu' refers to a loan or debt transaction. In Islamic finance, the term is used to describe the act of lending and borrowing, with an emphasis on no interest or excess charges.

Why is there a debate among scholars about whether interest in conventional banking is considered riba?

The debate arises because some scholars believe that the interest (or 'bunga') charged in conventional banks is riba, as it involves gaining profit from a loan. Others argue that it is not riba, as it is seen as a form of profit-sharing or a legitimate return on managing funds.

What is the view of some scholars regarding the interest charged by conventional banks?

Some scholars view the interest as riba, citing the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad that states, 'Every loan that generates a benefit is riba.' These scholars argue that any gain from a loan is considered interest and, therefore, forbidden.

How do other scholars justify the interest received in conventional banking as permissible?

Other scholars, such as Sheikh Ali Jumah and Sheikh Tantawi, argue that the interest is not riba because it is not a direct profit from a loan, but rather a benefit or share of profit derived from the management of the funds between the bank and its customers.

What is the stance of the Salafi scholars on the issue of interest in banking?

Salafi scholars suggest that as long as the interest is not directly part of the loan agreement but is instead treated as a separate transaction or profit-sharing mechanism, it may not be considered riba, thus making it permissible.

How should individuals working in conventional banks approach the issue of interest in their jobs?

Individuals working in conventional banks should ensure they are not directly involved in transactions that would constitute riba or haram activities. They should be aware of the different scholarly opinions and try to follow practices that align with Islamic teachings, ensuring they avoid unethical actions.

What did the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advise regarding loans and generosity?

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised that it is best to give more than what was borrowed as a sign of generosity, stating that 'The best among you are those who repay loans with kindness.' This shows the importance of avoiding exploitation in financial transactions.

What is the conclusion of the speaker regarding working in a conventional bank?

The speaker concludes that it is permissible to work in a conventional bank according to the opinions of some scholars, as long as one avoids engaging in haram activities. The job is not inherently sinful, and individuals should ensure that their actions align with the teachings of Islam.