Dispute among the ‘Ulamā’ On the Validity of
Life Insurance &
Possible Refutation to the Misconception
© Prof. Dr. Mohd. Ma'sum Billah1
Abstract
Under Islamic law on the other hand, the ‘Ulamā' are divided in groups over the issue of the
validity of insurance. There are mainly three groups. One of them accepts the practices of
insurance subject to conformity with the Sharī’ah. The second group accepts general
insurance but rejects the life insurance and the third group opposes insurance entirely,
claiming that the whole idea of insurance policy is contrary to the fundamental teachings of
Islam.2 This research aims at focusing on the disputes which have arisen among the Islamic
scholars on the validity of insurance, the grounds of their arguments and possible justifications
for the legality of insurance practices in the light of the Sharī’ah principles.
Views of the Islamic Scholars on Insurance
Differences in Groups
The ‘Ulamā’ have mixed views on the validity of insurance. Generally, these views of
the Muslims scholars can be divided into the following three groups:
11
International Islamic Corporate Advisor on Shari’ah, Banking, Finance, Takaful @ Insurance,
Business, Wealth, Asset & Property Management, Capital Market, Bond Market, Money Market,
Investment & e-Commerce. Professor of Islamic Finance, Insurance @ Takaful, Banking, & eCommerce, Faculty of Islamic Finance, University of Camden, USA. E-mail:
[email protected] Website: http//.www.applied-islamicfinane.com.
2
See Siddiqi, M.N., “Muslim Economic Thinking: A Survey of Contemporary Literature”. In
Khurshid Ahmad, (ed.), in Studies in Islamic Economics, The Islamic Foundation, UK, 1980, pp. 265 315.
1
(i)
Insurance practice is entirely and absolutely lawful provided that it is free from
the element of riba. Among the ‘Ulamā’ sharing this viewpoint are Shaikh
Mohammad ‘Abduh, 3 the Hanafi lawyer Shaikh Ibn Abidin,4 Mohammad Taqi
Amini, Shaikh Mahmud Ahmad, Mustafa Ahmad Zarqa, Sayed Mohammad
Sadeeq al-Ruhani, Ibrahim Tahawi, Ahmad Taha As-Sanusi, Yusuf Musa,
Mohammad al-Bahi, Ali al-Khafif, Zafar Shahidi, Mohammad Nejatullah
Siddiqi, Mohammad Muslehuddin, M.A. Manna, Ali Jamaluddin Awad, 5 as
well as Ayatullah Khomeni.6
(ii)
There are some Islamic scholars who accept general insurance but object to life
insurance as it involves the elements of Maisir (gambling) and Garar
(uncertainty) and it contrasts with the principles of Mirath and Wasiyah. This
view was accepted in a Seminar held in Morocco on 6th May 1972. 7 Among
the scholars who accepted this view are Abdur Rahman ‘Isa, Ahmad Ibrahim,
Mohd. Musa, Mufti Mohammad Bakheet, Mohammad Abu Zahra,8 and Shaikh
al - Azhar Shaikh Jad al - Haq Ali Jad al-Haq,9 also an anonymous statement
published in the Muslim brotherhood in 1941, 10 and the Muslim League
Conference held in Cairo in 1965, 11 supported this view.
(iii)
The third group clearly and totally rejects any practice of insurance on the
grounds that it involves the elements of riba, Maisir and Garar which are
strictly prohibited by the Sharī’ah. Among the Islamic scholars who are in
favour of this view are Mustafa Zaid, ‘Abdullah al-Qalqeeli and Jalal Mustafa
al-Sayyad. 12
However, in my effort to justify the validity of insurance, reference has to be made to
the misconceptions that have surrounded the very idea of insurance and its operation
which might have compelled some Muslim scholars to urge the rejection of insurance.
An attempt is made to refute these misconceptions, to enable the contemporary
Muslim Ummah to accept insurance as a Sharī’ah justified financing technique.
Misconceptions
Among the misconceptions are:
3
See Vardit, op. cit., at 32, and Mankabady, op. cit., p. 201.
See Kling, Muller, op. cit., p. 30.
5
See in Siddiqi, M.N., “Muslim Economic Thinking: A Survey of Contemporary Literature,”
in (ed) Khurshid Ahmad Studies in Islamic Economics, The Islamic Foundation, UK, 1980,
pp. 265 - 315.
6
See Khomeni, ‘Ayatullah, Tawjihul-Masaili, 1979 , Problem No. 2863 - 65 as cited in Amin,
S.H. Islamic Law in the Contemporary World, Glasgow, 1985, p. 79.
7
See Mankabady, op. cit., p. 202.
8
See Siddiqi, M.N. “Muslim Economic Thinking” op. cit., p. 216.
9
See Al-Iqtisadul Islami, July 1995, p. 60.
10
See Kling, Muller, op. cit., p. 35.
11
The Conference was held in Cairo in 1965, See Rashid, op. cit., p.37 n. 17.
12
See Siddiqi, M.N., “Muslim Economic Thinking”, op. cit., p. 216.
12
Ibid, see also Mufti Mohd Shafi, Bimae Zindegi , op. cit., p. 86.
4
2
An insurance policy contains the element of riba’. 13 Any transaction which
involves riba’ is void ab initio. Allah (S.W.T.) has clearly forbidden riba’
based transaction in the following Ayat:
(i)
"... Allah (S.W.T.) has permitted trade and prohibited Riba’...."14
(ii)
It contains an element of betting. This is because, the insured, in an insurance
policy, hopes to get the opportunity for a material gain, and, hence, this is
similar to betting. This view was developed unanimously by some Ulama in a
judicial conference held in Macca in Sha’ban, 1398AH. 15
(iii) It contains the element of Garar. ‘al-Garar’ means uncertainty in either the
object or the subject matter of a transaction. Any transaction involving the
element of ‘Garar’ is void ab initio in the eyes of the Sharī’ah. The Holy
Prophet (S.A.W.) prohibited any transaction involving the element of Garar in
the following tradition:
"... The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) had prohibited transaction with Garar,
(uncertainty)" 16
(iv) It contains the element of ‘Maisir’ (gambling) which has been strictly prohibited
by Allah (S.W.T.) in the Holy Qur’ān. 17 A transaction involving gambling
occurs when a gambler pays a certain amount of money from which the gambler
hopes for a material gain. Hence, it is argued that an insurance policy has the
element of Maisir as the insured pays the premiums with the hope of obtaining a
chance of a handsome return. Therefore it is alleged that such a transaction
involving the unlawful element of Maisir, is not permissible, as Allah (S.W.T.)
prohibits Maisir in the following sanction:
"...They ask you concerning wine and gambling. Say: In them is great sin ..." 18
(v)
There is also no express authority from the Divine principles justifying the
validity of the practice of insurance policy. Hence, it is argued that any
transaction or dealing which is inconsistent with the Holy Qur’ān and the
Sunnah or Tradition of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) should be held void. Allah
(S.W.T.) has indicated:
"... If anyone desires a system other than Islam never will it be accepted from
him ..." 19
14
15
16
al-Quran, Surah al-Baqarah, 2:275.
The decision was made in a Judicial Conference held in Makkah in Sha’ban, 1398 H.
Imam Malik bin Anas, al-Muatta, compiled by Dr. Saad, Faruq, Darul afaq al-Jadidah,
Beirut, 1985, Chapter Baiul Gharar, No. 63 at 554, translated by A.A. Bewly, 31:34 , No.
75, p. 270.
17
al-Quran, Surah al-Baqarah, 2:219.
al-Quran, Surah al-Baqarah, 2:219.
19
al-Quran, Surah al-Imran, 3:85.
18
3
(vi)
It is contrary to the principle of Tawakkul. In an insurance policy, the insured
puts a trust on the insurer to protect him against an unexpected loss instead of
putting his trust on Almighty Allah (S.W.T.). Such practice is against the
principle of ‘Tawakkul’ as every believer is obliged to put his own trust
(Tawakkul) in Allah (S.W.T.) only. Allah (S.W.T.) says:
".... but on Allah (S.W.T.) put your trust (Tawakkul) if you have faith....." 20
(vii) It is contrary to the principles of ‘Mirath’ and ‘Wasiyah’. This is because, in a
life insurance policy, the nominee is the absolute beneficiary from the policy
after the death of the insured, and this will deprive the heirs of the deceased of
their legal rights based on the principles of ‘Mirath’ and ‘Wasiyah’. 21
(viii) Some Muslims and even some Islamic Scholars claim that life insurance means
to ensure one’s life against death and such practice is unlawful. Among those
who support this opinion are Shaikh al-Azhar Shaikh Jad al-Haq Ali Jad al-Haq,
22
an anonymous claim in the Muslim Brotherhood published in 1941,23 the
unanimous decision of the Muslim scholars at a Seminar held in Morocco on 6 th
May 972, 24 and also the verdict of the Islamic Supreme Court of Egypt on
December, 27 th, 1926.25 The above view is based on the ground that there is no
creature who can ensure one’s life or death except Almighty Allah (S.W.T.) who
is the only powerful Cherisher and Sustainer of the whole universe. Allah
(S.W.T.) states:
"....Verily the knowledge of the hour is with Allah (S.W.T.). It is He who sends
down rain, and He who knows what is in the wombs-Nor does anyone know what
it is that he will earn tomorrow, nor does anyone know in what land he is to die.
Verily with Allah (S.W.T.) is full knowledge and He is acquainted (with all
things)....." 26
(ix) An insurance policy stands towards ensuring one’s wealth and property. In the
light of the Sharī’ah, a transaction which guarantees protection of one’s property
is said to be invalid except in three situations: fear for unjust enrichment; fear of
losing one’s property; and fear of one’s property being destroyed or perished.
This is the view upheld by Shaikh Azhar Jad al-Haq in denying the validity of
insurance policy. 27
(x)
A life insurance contract involves unlawful elements. A contract, which is based
on unlawful elements, is not binding as the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said in one
Tradition:
"...... Muslims are bound by their conditions except the condition which prohibits
lawful one or the one which permits the unlawful one..." 28
20
Al-Quran, Surah al-Maidah, 5:26.
See M. Masum Billah, “Life insurance? An Islamic view”, op. cit., p. 316.
22
See in Al Iqtisadul Islami, July 1995, p. 60.
23
See in Kling Muller, op. cit., p. 35.
24
See in Mankabady, op. cit., p. 202.
25
See in Al-Sanhuri, Civil Law, Vol. 7, 1964 at 1088 (Arabic), as cited in Mankabady, loc. cit,
21
p. 201.
26
Al-Quran, Surah Luqman, 31:34.
See in Al-Iqtisadul Islami, op. cit., p. 60.
28
Al-Tirmizi as quoted by Shaikh Jad al-Haq in Al-Iqtisadul Islami, op. cit., p. 60.
27
4
(xi) Finally, Shaikh al-Azhar Jad al-Haq Ali Jad al-Haq recently in a ‘fatwa’ session
advised the Muslim Ummah against insurance especially life insurance as it
involves unlawful elements and, Muslims should not be making money or profits
through unlawful means. 29
Refuting the Misconceptions
(i)
An Islamic model of insurance does not involve the element of riba. It is
practiced based on the principle of al-Mudarabah financing30 in which both the
insurer and the insured share the profit, bonus and dividends obtained from the
paid premiums in agreed proportions. Such a transaction is based on mutual
agreement between the parties and therefore, the Sharī’ah Supervisory Board of
Sudan held that such a transaction does not contravene the Sharī’ah nor does it
contain any unlawful element.31 Moreover, such a practice is further justified by
the Divine principle of mutual transaction as Allah (S.W.T.) says:
"…O you who believe! do not misappropriate your property among yourselves in
vanities, but let there be among you traffic and trade by mutual good will... " 32
(ii)
An insurance policy does not supersede the will of Allah (S.W.T.). In such a
policy, (particularly in a life insurance policy) the aim is neither to ensure nor
determine one’s life or death nor does it intend to determine the future material
luck of one’s dependents. A life insurance policy also does not connote the
idea that the participant is trying to protect his life from death against the will
of Allah (S.W.T.). An insurance policy also does not mean that the insured is
determining his future financial capacity. A policy, be it general or life, simply
means that both the operator and the participant in a contract of insurance
mutually agree to work for a compensation or security against an unexpected
tragedy. Such concept is of course in line with the Islamic principle whereby
Islam encourages the ‘ummah’ to strive hard in overcoming difficulties in their
lives. The Prophet (S.A.W.) said:
".... Narrated by Abu Huraira ® the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said: Whosoever
removes a worldly grief from a ‘mu’min’, Allah (S.W.T.) will take away from him
one of the grieves of the hereafter. Whosoever alleviates a needy person, Allah
(S.W.T.) will alleviate from him in both the world and the hereafter...." 33
(iii) In an insurance policy, the insured is not putting his trust (Tawakkul) in the
insurer for a future protection but it is only a mutual transaction whereby both
parties agree to work for the welfare or protection of the insured against an
unexpected occurrence of loss or damage. This is of course in line with the
Divine principle of mutual co-operation as Allah (S.W.T.) commanded to the
effect:
"... co-operate you one another in righteousness and piety...." 34
29
See Al-Iqtisadul Islami, loc. cit..
See, Shafi, Mawlana Mufti Muhammad, op. cit., p. 36.
31
See Rules of the Supervisory Board, Sudan, op. cit., p. 12.
32
Al-Quran , Surah an-Nisa 4:29.
33
Sahih al-Muslim , Kitab al-Birr, 59.
34
al-Quran, Surah al-Maidah, 5:3.
30
5
(iv) An insurance policy does not involve the element of gambling or betting.
Mustafa Al Zarqa maintains that the gambler, in a transaction of gambling or
betting, is always hoping for a chance to gain materially and with the spirit of
defeating other gamblers rather than co-operating.35 In contrast, the parties in a
contract of insurance, are bound together in a spirit of mutual co-operation and
good will in providing material security for the orphans,36 widows, 37 other
dependents38 as well as one’s own self against an unexpected future loss,
damage or peril.
(v)
An insurance contract also does not involve the elements of Garar (uncertainty).
In an insurance policy generally, the subject matter is the life or property on
which the risk is presumed to be occurring in the future. The subject matter of
the insurance contract is definite and certain. Similarly, the subject matter of a
life insurance policy is the life of the assured who has been blessed by Allah
(S.W.T.) with a life and who will also one day die by the will of Allah (S.W.T.).
Such occurrence of life and death is of course definite and certain as Allah
(S.W.T.) says:
"....... Every should shall have a taste of death....."
39
Therefore, the allegation that the insurance policy involves the elements of
‘Garar’ (uncertainty), thus, making it invalid, is groundless.
(vi) Some believe that an insurance policy cannot be justified by express Divine
sanction, hence, making it unlawful. In responding to this misconception, there
are a couple of provisions in the Holy Qur’an and also in the Sunnah of the Holy
Prophet (S.A.W.), which provide the principles of mutual co-operation 40 and the
doctrine of al-Mudarabah financing respectively. 41 These both Divine doctrines
in fact evolve around the today’s Sharī’ah based insurance practices. Moreover,
the idea of insurance policy and practice originated from the traditional doctrine
of al-Aqilah, which was approved by the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) in one of his
verdicts in a case of dispute between two women from the Huzail tribe. 42 The
Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) gave the above judgment in the following Tradition:
"Narrated by Abu Huraira ® that two women Hudhail tribe fought with each
other and one of them flung a stone at the opponent, killing her and what was in
her womb. The case was brought to the Prophet (S.A.W.) in which he gave
verdict that the diyat (Blood-wit) of her unborn child is a male or female slave of
the best quality and he also decided that the vicarious liability of the diyat on
behalf of the slain is to be rendered to her paternal relatives while the Prophet
(S.A.W.) made her son and those who were with them her heirs......" 43
35
See in Al-Zarqa, Mustafa, Nizam al-Tameem, Muassasatul Risalah, Beirut, 1984, p. 46.
For justification, see Sahih al Bukhari, Kitabul adab, op. cit., Vol. 8, No. 34, p. 23.
37
Id, Kitab al- adab, No. 35, p. 24.
38
Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-adab, op.cit. No. 35, p. 24.
39
Sura al-Imran, 3:185.
40
al-Quran, Surah al-Maidah, 5:2.
41
Shafi, Mawlana Mufti Mohammad, op. cit., p. 36.
42
See Ibn. Asir, An Nihayat Garibil Hadith, Vol. 3.
43
For text, see Sahih al Muslim, (Tahqiq) Mohd. Nasiruddin al-Albani, Laznatu Ihya alSunnah, Ashare, Arabi, Asyuf (n.d.), Kitab Tahreem al-Dimaa’ wa Zitnil Qisas wa al36
6
The same doctrine of al-’Aqila was subsequently approved and commanded by
the second caliph Sayyidina Umar, ® mandatorily in some cases. 44 Thus, it is
baseless to allege that insurance has no basis for justification.
(vii) Some argue that the practice of insurance is contrary to that of the Islamic
principle of ‘Tawakkul’ (putting trust in Allah (S.W.T.). While it is admitted here
that both the insurer and the insured, in a policy, mutually agree to take an
initiative for the protection of the insured against an unexpected risk, loss or
damage on the subject matter, they still ultimately put their trust in Almighty
Allah (S.W.T.) who is the sole Cherisher and Sustainer of the whole universe. In
fact, the initiative which is taken by both parties does not deviate from the
principle of ‘Tawakkul’ as such an initiative is only an effort made to the best of
their ability to overcome future unexpected difficulties and nothing more.
Indeed, in accordance with the Islamic concept of ‘Tawakkul’, man is asked to
strive to the best of one’s ability in performing a particular act or job before
putting one’s trust in Allah (S.W.T.). The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) explained the
principle of ‘Tawakkul’ in the following Hadith:
"The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) told a Bedouin Arab who left his camel untied,
trusting to the will of Allah (S.W.T.), "tie the camel first then leave it to the will
of Allah (S.W.T.)...." 45
Therefore, it is concluded here that, the practice of insurance does not
contravene the Islamic principle of ‘Tawakkul’.
(viii) Life insurance policy does not contravene the principles of ‘Mirath’ and
`Wasiyah’. In Amtul Habib v Musarrat Parveen, 46 the Supreme Court of
Pakistan held that, in a life insurance policy, the nominee (s) is nothing more
than a trustee who is under an obligation to receive the benefits of the policy on
behalf of the heirs of the assured (deceased) and distribute the benefits among
the heirs of the deceased in accordance with the Islamic principles of ‘Mirath’
and ‘Wasiyah’. Hence, the nominee here is not an absolute beneficiary(s), but a
mere trustee or executor, 50a and the nominee may receive only a portion of the
benefits if he or she, is one of the legal heirs of the deceased.
Further Justifications for the Validity of Sharī’ah Model of Insurance
Besides the grounds, which have already been mentioned above in justifying the ideas
and practices of an insurance policy, there are some additional grounds, which could
well justify its practice. These grounds are listed as follows.
Diyyat, No. 1032, at 274. Also see Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al-Diyyat, Bab Janeen alMarat, No. 6395. For translation see Sahih al Muslim Siddiqi, A. Hamid,(trans), Darul
Arabia, Lebanon, 1978, Vol. 3, No. 4:68, p. 905.
44
See in Gibb, et.al, op. cit., at 29.
45
Sunan at-Tirmizi, op. cit., No. 2517, p. 668.
46
[1974] PLD, p. 185 (SC).
50a
See, The Insurance Act (Malaysia), 1996, S. 167(1).
7
(i)
An insurance transaction is similar to the principles of al-Wadiah (deposit)
whereby two parties engage themselves in an agreement in which one of them
deposit money with the other as a trust or ‘Amanah’ for the purpose of
safekeeping.47 Such method of dealing also exists in a contract of insurance as
the insured deposits money with the insurer for future safety. The principle of
al-Wadiah has been developed from the following Ayat of the Holy Qur’ān
when Allah (S.W.T.) says:
"... Verily Allah (S.W.T.) commands you to render back your trusts to those to
whom they are due ...." 48
(ii)
A transaction which originated from the ancient custom or ‘urf is permissible as
long as such custom does not contravene any of the Divine principles and
doctrine enshrined in the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet
(S.A.W.). Islam, in this matter, has always been flexible in accepting any custom
or ‘urf of the people which may be convenient for the society, but of course with
the condition that such custom is in line with the Sharī’ah. The justification of
‘urf is indicated in the following hadith:
".... Whatever Muslims see good it is good with Allah (S.W.T.)." 49
An insurance contract may be said to have originated from the ancient Arab
custom (‘urf) the doctrine of ‘al-’Aqila’ which was approved by the Prophet
(S.A.W.) 50. Hence, following the custom and, at the same time the practice of
insurance is justified and given legal entity. 51
(iii) The origin of every transaction is permissible unless an authority proves it
invalid. This principle has been laid down by Suyuti in the following maxim:
"The origin in everything is lawful unless an authority proves one unlawful." 52
(vi)
The fundamental aspect of an insurance contract is derived from the ancient
Arab custom of al-’Aqila. Its main objective is mutual co-operation justified by
al-Qur’ān, (as Surah al-Maidah 5:2). Its operation is based on ‘al-Mudarabah’
financing for the purpose of public interest relying on the doctrine of ‘Masalih
al-Mursalah’ and it has, therefore, been approved and justified by the Sharī’ah.
Hence, it may also be logical and natural to hold such insurance contracts
valid.
(v)
Any transaction in which the parties undertake to fulfill their lawful obligations
is valid and binding on both parties. This is because, the Sharī’ah has
emphasized the performance of undertakings and promises. The Prophet
(S.A.W.) once said in one of his Traditions:
47
See Al-Zubaidi, Mohammad, Tajul Arus Vol. 2, Kuwait, 1967, p.591.
al-Quran, Surah an-Nisa, 4:58.
49
Qudama, Ibn. Raudatul Nazir (n.d.), p. 85.
50
See Gibb, op. cit., p. 29.
51
See also The Mejelle, op. cit., Arts 36, 40 and 45.
52
Suyuti, Al-Imam Jalaluddin Abd. Rahman, Al-Ashbah Wa-al-Nazair, Darul Kutub alAlamiyyah, Lebanon, 1983, p. 60.
48
8
"Muslim are bound by their conditions except the one which prohibits the
permitted one or permits the prohibited one...." 53
This is further justified in the Holy Qur’ān when Allah (S.W.T.) says to the
effect:
"O you who believe! fulfil your promises"
54
(vi) The terms and conditions to be required in a contract of insurance between the
two parties are lawful, and hence binding on them. The school of Maliki hold
that the insurance contract is a binding promise, and hence permissible in the
eyes of the Sharī’ah. 55
(vii) The practice of insurance is also based on, inter-alia, the doctrine of public
interest (‘Masalih al-Mursalah’) for the purpose of eliminating hardship from
one’s life, while, taking an initiative to look after the welfare of the poor who
may have suffered resulting from an occurrence of loss or damage. It is thus,
justified in the Holy Qur’ān, in that, Allah (S.W.T.) has always wished a good
and convenient life for His creatures without having to face any difficulty. Allah
(S.W.T.) says:
"......Allah (S.W.T.) intends every facility for you and He does not want to put you
to difficulties...." 56
(viii) An insurance policy does not signify an opportunity for the insured to hope for a
chance for a material gain. In fact, it is a transaction whereby the insured takes
an initiative to the best of his ability to be compensated or indemnified in the
event of unexpected loss, damage or peril. Such compensation or indemnity has
been mutually agreed to by both the insurer and the insured, and this further
signifies the element of mutual co-operation between both parties to the contract
of insurance. Such principle has been justified in the Sharī’ah. Allah (S.W.T.)
says:
"..... and co-operate you one another in righteousness and piety...." 57
(ix) An insurance contract also operates based on the principle of necessity. Any
transaction operating along the line of necessity is permissible, as justified in the
following maxim:
"Necessity makes forbidden things canonical harmless....."
58
Hence, the life insurance policy which operates based on the principle of
necessity in providing material protection for the unfortunate widows, offspring
53
At Tirmizi, as quoted by Shaikh Jad al-Haq Ali Jad al-Haq, “al-Tameen alal Hayati Gairu
zaizin”, in al-Iqtisadul Islami, op. cit. p. 60.
54
al-Quran , Surah al-Maidah, 5:1.
55
See Hadagha, op. cit., p. 56.
56
al-Quran, Surah al-Baqarah, 2:185.
57
al-Quran, Surah al-Maidah, 5:2.
58
The Mejelle, Art 21, See also Nazim, Ibn, op. cit., p. 84.
9
and so on in the event of the death of the assured, is justifiable. The Prophet
(S.A.W.) advised in one of his Traditions:
"Narrated by Saad bin Abi Waqas ®: The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said: It is
better for you to leave your offspring wealthy than to leave them poor asking
others for help......" 59
In another Tradition, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said:
"Narrated by Safwan bin Salim ®, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said: The one who
looks after and works for a widow and for a poor person is like a warrior
fighting for the cause of Allah (S.W.T.) or like a person who fasts during the day
and prays over night........ " 60
(x)
An insurance policy involves an element of contribution (al-Musahamah)61.
For instance, the insured in a general policy pays regular premiums for the
purpose of seeking compensation in case of unexpected loss or damage
occurring to the particular subject matter of the policy. In a life insurance
policy, the assured pays premiums as a contribution for the welfare of his
dependents and at the same time the insurer pays an amount of donation from
the charitable fund for the beneficiary(s) of the assured as an addition to the
paid-premiums and share of profits. 62 The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) also used to
accept donations 63. Thus, a transaction like an insurance contract, which
involves the elements of contribution and also donation, could be held lawful.
(xi) The nature of a life insurance policy is similar to that of a retirement pension
scheme. al-Zarqa and al-Alwan stated that all contemporary Islamic scholars
unanimously agreed on the lawfulness and validity of a retirement pension
scheme.64 Adil Salahi accepted the fact that all scholars of Islamic Jurisprudence
approved the idea of a pension scheme for the reason of ensuring security for the
subscriber himself as well as his family in cases of difficulties or death.65 Salahi
went on to defend the validity of life insurance based on the approval of all
scholars on pension schemes, asked why family security should be rendered
lawful in a pension scheme, and unlawful in a life insurance policy when their
method of operations are practically the same? 66 It was also inferred that the
reason all ‘Ulamā’ accepted the idea of retirement pension is that it was widely
accepted during the time of Sayyidina Umar ®. Hence, it is submitted that a life
insurance policy, being similar to a pension scheme, should also be held lawful
and valid.
(xii) It is also an Islamic teaching that, one should make and spend wealth in a lawful
way, and simultaneously one should also have an economic plan to save a
59
Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul Faraid, op. cit., Vol. 8, No. 725, p. 477f.
Id, Kitabul adab, No. 35, p. 23.
61
Discussed in detail in Chapter Six of this research.
62
See in Billah, M. Masum, op. cit., p. 324.
63
See in A-Sanani, Mohammad, Subul al-Salam, Egypt, 1987, Vol. 1-3, p. 90.
64
See Al-Zarqa, op. cit., 62 and also Al-Alwan, Abdullah, Hukum al-Islam fil Tameen, Darul
Islam, Egypt, 1987, p. 13.
65
Salahi, Adil, “Is Life Insurance Haram? in New Horizon, Islamic Banking and Insurance
No. 45, Nov. 1995, p. 12.
66
Ibid.
60
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portion out of his earnings for future security against unexpected risk. The Holy
Prophet (S.A.W.) provided a guideline for an economic plan:
"Allah (S.W.T.) blesses those who acquire wealth in good manner, then the
wealth is spent accordingly and the remaining is saved for future use when risk
occurs." 67
An insurance policy does not depart from the guideline provided by the Holy
Prophet (S.A.W.) in the above hadith, because the nature of an insurance policy
is that, the policyholder pays regular premiums (especially in a life policy) to the
insurer as a saving for safe keeping for future security against unexpected risk.
Indeed based on the above-mentioned arguments, it is submitted and asserted
that, an insurance policy which is based on the Islamic principle of ‘alMudarabah’ should be held valid and enforceable. It is also submitted that, the
arguments put forward by Islamic scholars opposing the idea and validity of
insurance are entirely refutable.
Final Submission
In the history of Common law, there has been no difference of views among the
scholars regarding the legitimacy of the central idea of insurance practices. However,
in Islamic law, there is a difference of views among the Muslim scholars as regards to
the validity of insurance. No one could deny the importance and necessity of having
an insurance policy. Hence, without looking at the scenario of the conventional
insurance, the Islamic scholars (who oppose partly or entirely the idea of insurance)
must come forward and suggest ideal solutions as alternatives to those of the
conventional insurance practices. But if they continue to differ in their views in regard
to the validity of insurance policy, this could pose a threat to the economic prospects
and economic independence of the contemporary Muslim Ummah and the Ummah to
come.
It is therefore suggested that the scholars should not remain in conflict with one
another, but should contribute towards finding a better and justified solution to
eliminate any unlawful elements from an insurance policy. In doing so, they could
design a model of an insurance transaction which may enable the Muslim Ummah to
benefit from a fair and legal transaction which is in line with the Sharī’ah principles.
This means that an insurance policy can only be practised on the basis of the
principles of profit and loss sharing technique (al-Mudarabah). This is because, such a
transaction is based on mutual co-operation and good will, and the parties involved in
a contract of insurance may look after each other’s welfare through sharing and cooperation.
Thus, it is humbly hoped that the Islamic scholars resolve their differences in regard to
the validity of the idea and application of insurance, through inventing an alternative
model of insurance as opposed to the conventional model for the benefit and
67
Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim, (at this stage no primary source can be traced). Quoted from
Takaful (Islamic Insurance) , BIRT, Kuala Lumpur, 1996, p. 118.
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betterment of the contemporary society in general and the Muslim Ummah in
particular.
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