I am an employer in a Dubai based company. But I will have to work in an African country. I want to start an account in international bank which deals with interest. I do have an account in an Islamic Bank. But the service of this bank is not available internationally. If I draw money from another country, they charge considerable money. Is it allowed to start the account without taking the interest? Please give me a detailed answer.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

If you cannot get the sufficient funds necessary to live in the country where you will work except by opening an account in a interest-based bank, then it is allowed. You should deposit only the funds which suffice your dire necessities. You should open a current account to avoid gaining any interest on your deposited money. If you cannot avoid interest on your deposited money then you have to get rid of the interest, by giving it to the poor, etc., right after receiving it, and not leave it for the bank.

Allaah Knows best.