I have a question which is a bit controversial, I joined a company called world wide travel plan as an affiliate, they gave me a free website and a free company email, but the thing is the main purpose is to sell travel insurance.
Answer
In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
Commercial insurances, travel insurance included, are unlawful in Shariah as they will contain if not all at least one of the following three reasons.
- Interest/ Usury
- There is an element of deception
- Qimar (gambling)
For a detailed reply why the above three are considered impermissible please see http://www.daruliftabirmingham.co.uk/legal%20plans.htm . Allah states in the Quran, “Allah has permitted transactions and has forbidden riba” (Surah Al Baqarah v.275) Furthermore in a Hadith Ali ibn AbuTalib narrates that he heard Allah’s Messenger (sallal lahu alayhi wasallam) curse those who took usury, those who paid it, those who recorded it, and those who refused to give sadaqah. And he used to prohibit wailing. (Tirmidhi: 858) In light of the above and similar ayaaths and ahadiths, scholars have ruled that it is unlawful for a Muslim to get involved in any kind of insurance where any of the above elements will be found.
Therefore in conclusion, it will not be permissible for you to sell travel insurance, for what is unlawful for you, is unlawful to sell to others
Only Allah knows best
Sayeedur Rahman
Darul Ifta, Birmingham.
Note: If after truly exploring all avenues, other alternative employment is not possible and a person has the immediate need to support dependants then many scholars have permitted to continue working until alternative employment is found. At the same time the person must seek forgiveness from Allah and pray that Allah makes it easy to find means to earn halal.
