I am a Chartered Certified Accountant and got qualified twelve years ago and joined the finance department of an international bank. After one year of service, the bank bought me a new full option Nissan Maxima, offered me a building loan, and my bonus was almost equal to my annual salary. After three years I was transferred to another country where I headed the finance department with a tenfold increase in my remuneration.
In that country my faith grew. At that point I realized that conventional banking, no matter your role, is haram. I made lots of research and was convinced I was dealing in riba and was never happy thereafter despite the good pay. I decided I was going to resign. I was then moved to another country in a bigger role with the prospect of grooming me for a regional role.
I started looking for a job. The first job I got was with a start-up company and my pay was less than 40% of my previous job. Except my wife, everyone I spoke to categorically or implicitly thought I was stupid. I must admit I have had flashes of that thought myself but often quickly realize I knew what I was doing. It took the bank three months to officially acknowledge my resignation.
I joined my new company, a construction company, and within a year the company closed down. I had my visa cancelled with the prospect of going back home to no job. It was hard but I kept reassuring myself that, whatever the case, I will not regret my choice of leaving the bank.
Two weeks later I got another job and currently I am working in a medical furniture manufacturing company looking after 4 group companies.
Abdallah, Finance Manager
