Fatwa ID: 04056

Answered by: Alimah Sabrina al-Faarsiyyah

Question

I have been offered the opportunity to pursue the following role:

http://www.aonearlycareers.co.uk/graduates-8

Is this job permissible?

Please note that Aon is an insurance broker, not an insurance company.

JazakAllah Khair

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

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

Answer:

Firstly, it should be known that insurance in itself is prohibited mainly due to the following reasons:

The first aspect that renders conventional insurance as impermissible is the element of uncertainty (Gharar). There is uncertainty whether the insured will get the compensation promised to him, the amount of compensation, the time etc. Shari’ah demands that these aspects need to be settled before the contract is signed in order to remove future disputes, but in this particular contract, these areas are left ambiguous. It also contains the element of gambling (Maisir) and interest as the money that the insured pays to the insurer becomes a part of his profit irrespective of whether or not the insured has suffered a loss or not. Islam recognizes this as ‘devouring people’s wealth unjustly’.

It should be noted that: It will not be permissible to work at any institute that earns its revenue through haram sources. However, one is not required to leave their job instantly but should exert all of one’s efforts into finding a job that is shariah compliant. When that is possible, one should resign from one’s current job.^[1]

Mufti Taqi Uthmani says regarding interest-based loans: “A Muslim cannot advise anyone to opt for financing based on interest. Any assistance provided to the customer for obtaining an interest-bearing loan, including the filling of the form etc., is not permissible according to the Shari’ah.”^[2]

From all of this, we understand that it is not permissible for a Muslim to work as an advisor or consultant for interest-based settlements, such as insurance companies or insurance brokers.

Also see the fatwa of my respected teacher, Mufti Tosir Sahib, here: https://daruliftabirmingham.co.uk/working-as-an-advisor-for-a-life-insurance-company/

Only Allah knows best

Written by Alimah Sabrina al-Faarsiyyah

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

^[1]  Mufti Taqi Uthmani, Contemporary Fataawa (Durban: Offset Plate Printing Services, 2000) pg. 189-190.

^[2] Mufti Taqi Uthmani, Contemporary Fataawa (Durban: Offset Plate Printing Services, 2000) pg. 106.