Can I Marry the Daughter of a Banker?


Shafi'i Fiqh

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

I want to marry a girl whose father is a banker, the bank deals with interest. I am ready to avoid any gift or food bought by her father’s income. The girl also accepted my decision. Is it haram to marry such a girl?

Answer

It is not haram for you to marry a banker’s daughter, as one’s or father’s occupation does not affect their permissibility.

As for not accepting any gifts from her father, I find this to be complicated. Is his income 100% haram or only partially haram? Here are the details about accepting gifts from a doubtful source.
What is the Ruling on Receiving Things From Others That Were Acquired With Unlawful Money?

If you are sure of his unlawful income, you have made a wise and correct decision to refuse gifts from him, but doing so will require tact. I pray that you can communicate with him clearly and politely without offending him, encourage him to turn to Allah, and pray that he finds a way out of this situation.

Also, ensure you are financially stable, as you will not have your father-in-law’s money to rely on. I pray you can maneuver through this situation without undue stress and be blessed in your union.

Bank Employment: When is it Permissible?

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqida, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.