Credit Manager

Q: Can you kindly advise me whether the position of a Credit Manager is suitable to accept. The role is to assess the client’s finance and either accept or decline the application. The post has been offered by a Bank.

A: When you approve a bank loan, you are approving a transaction that involves usury or interest, which is not permissible. Hence if you have not yet taken the post, don't do so. Search for an alternative. I can also suggest to consider Islamic banking and finance, I am sure the Bank you mentioned has this facility or is in the process of setting up such a department. In Islamic banking transactions are not based on interest. The other aspect which is worth mentioning on a general basis (not confined to a bank) is accessing clients accounts. If this is done with their permission, i.e. they are informed in advanced that the Credit Bureau will investigate their accounts and private details, then this is allowed. But then all information must remain confidential. You will not be allowed to speak about or divulge this information to anyone outside work circles or to anyone in your work whom it does not concern. If these investigations are done without the knowledge of the applicant, then this is not permissible. In Islam this is spying which the Quran has prohibited. If this is what being a Credit Manager entails, one should decline the offer to work as a credit manager, and if one is already in that field, then we advise to keep the job but start looking for a new job immediately. Also, make lots of istighfaar and dua that Allah takes one out of this job and opens up other avenues of earning. The person in that position should restlessly and relentlessly keep looking out for another occupation and Insha Allah, Allah will grant it. The same applies to one working as a credit manager for a non-Muslim bank.