Fatwa ID: 06373

Answered by: Maulana Abdul Malik

Question:

Is it permissible for a person to take out travel insurance if they have an autistic son?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

Travel insurance and all form of commercial insurance are not permissible in Islam. The reason is that they have either an element of gambling (Qimar) or interest (Riba), both of which have been clearly forbidden by Allah in the Quran.

Regarding gambling (qimar), Allah states in the Quran; ”O believers! Intoxicants, gambling, idols, and drawing lots for decisions are all evil of satan’s handiwork. So avoid them so you may be successful. [Quran:5,90]

Regarding interest (riba), Allah states in the Quran; “Those who consume riba (interest) will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaytan leading him to insanity. That is because they say; “Trade is no different than riba (interest)”, Whereas Allah has permitted trading and forbidden interest (riba). So whosoever receives an admonition from his lord and stops eating riba (interest), shall not be punished for the past, his case is for Allah (to judge), but whoever returns (to riba), such are the dwellers of the Fire, they will abide therein”. [Quran:2,275]

In conclusion, it would not be permissible for a person to take travel insurance. In the situation where someone has a sick child then other alternatives should be put in place that does not go against the principles of the Shari’ah. If other alternatives, cannot be made then only as a last resort travel insurance can be taken out. 

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Maulana Abdul Malik.

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham