Writing to the Rulers Regarding Riba Banks

The questioner:
As you know, the banks in this country deal in riba (usury or interest). So why not write to the one in authority about this great sin, and have these banks stopped, and Islamic banks established that are based on teaching the Islamic religion?

The Shaykh:
They have written to the rulers, and the rulers have promised good. We ask Allah to help them and grant them success so that the required matter is completed soon, if Allah wills. We hope that Allah will help them to carry out what they promised. Yes.

The questioner:
We heard.

The Shaykh:
In what has reached us and what has been confirmed for us, the bank that al-Rajhi Bank took over will establish an Islamic bank in place of the riba banks. It is on the verge of announcing it soon, if Allah wills.

The questioner:
Did you ask the supervisor in the same al-Rajhi house?

The Shaykh:
With Allah’s permission, you will profit.

The questioner:
Just keep going.

The Shaykh:
He will do this matter soon, and he will, if Allah wills, do this matter soon, and others will follow him, if Allah wills, until the riba banks are stopped. Yes.