Depositing money in the bank out of fear

Q 2: Is depositing money in usurious banks permissible in the event a Muslim fears his money may be stolen or lost? What is the ruling on dealing with usurious banks in non-usurious transactions such as transferring sums of money to or from other countries, as our interest as Muslims lies in the hands of such banks?

A: Firstly, depositing money in usurious banks is not permissible even if the account is interest free, because it entails cooperating in sin and transgression. Allah (Exalted be He) stated: ...but do not help one another in sin and transgression. However, if the Muslim fears the loss of his money and finds no means to safeguard it other than depositing in a usurious bank, then he is permitted to do that but with no interest taken on this deposit as a means of doing the lesser of the two evils. Secondly, dealing with usurious banks in terms of permissible dealings, such as transferring (Part No. 13; Page No. 352) money is permissible when necessary. On the other hand, engaging in prohibited dealings with such banks is legally unlawful. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.