Health insurance

Q: I have a question regarding to state life insurance company whether the health insurance of this company is halaal or haram.

My 2nd question is that my parents took a loan from a insurance company about 1 lac. Now they are going to do sadaqa/aqeeqah of a cow from this money. Is this is valid? 

A:

1. All forms of insurance are haraam and forbidden in shariah on account of the elements of qimaar (gambling) and riba (interest) being found in them. Severe warnings have been sounded in the Quraan Majeed for those who get involved in these grave sins. In regard to the grave sin of gambling, Allah Ta'ala says, “O you who believe, indeed wine, gambling, (sacrificing on) stone altars (for besides Allah Ta‘ala), and arrows (drawing lots with arrows) are filth from the work of Shaitaan, therefore refrain from it, so that you may be successful.” (Surah Maa’idah v. 90) In regard to the major sin of interest, Allah Ta'ala says, “If you do not do so [desist from dealing in interest] then be prepared to wage war against Allah and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).” (Surah Baqarah v. 279)

2. They should first be concerned about settling the loan and make taubah for getting involved in the grave sin of interest. After settling the loan, they may worry about giving sadaqah, doing the aqeeqah, etc.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)