Fatwa ID: 09312
Answered by Mufti Nuski Cassim
Question:
Assalamu alaikum. I have a question regarding delivery-driver insurance for platforms such as Amazon Flex, Uber Eats, Just Eat, and Deliveroo. These companies require a separate insurance policy that covers food or parcel deliveries. However, it is very difficult to obtain this type of insurance before the age of 21 — the prices are extremely high, and many providers will not offer a quote at all.
I am aware that some people present certificates that look like delivery-insurance documents, but they are not linked to any real insurance policy. They are essentially fake certificates created to appear legitimate. For example, my brother has shown one of these certificates and is currently working as a delivery driver. I want to understand the Islamic ruling on this situation. Since conventional insurance is generally considered impermissible except in cases of necessity, would using a fake certificate still be considered halal or not?
Additionally, would it be permissible for me to work using someone else’s delivery-platform account, knowing that the account is officially registered for that person’s own use? I want to ensure that I handle this matter in a halal way.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
Honesty and integrity are necessary qualities that a Muslim must exhibit.
عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لَا إِيمَانَ لِمَنْ لَا أَمَانَةَ لَهُ وَلَا دِينَ لِمَنْ لَا عَهْدَ لَهُ
Anas ibn Malik (رضي الله عنه) reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “There is no faith for one who cannot be trusted. There is no religion for one who cannot uphold a covenant.” –Musnad Ahmad, Hadith #12383
Creating fake certificates that are not linked to any real insurance policy is impermissible as this is clear and deliberate deception.
Contemporary drivers’ insurance, though impermissible in essence, is permitted due to need (حاجة) and necessity (ضرورة) as without it an individual is legally unable to drive a vehicle—hence a requirement.
This same requirement legally extends to delivery-driver insurance as companies require a separate insurance policy that covers food or parcel deliveries as you correctly pointed out. Hence, creating a fake certificate assuming that such insurance is not necessary is unwise.
Additionally, in the event of an accident, there could be serious harm to oneself and others bringing about financial liability and legal repercussions. Having fake insurance in such a predicament can prove to be grave and have serious consequences.
As for working under someone else’s delivery account—even if that person gives you permission—this will be impermissible as the agreement is between the company and the named account holder. When these platforms such as Amazon Flex, Uber Eats, Just Eat, and Deliveroo register an individual, they are contracting with that individual specifically. Thus, using the account whilst presenting yourself as that person is a form of misrepresentation and breach of contract (khiyanah), all of which is impermissible.[1]
The best way to handle this situation, though difficult, would be to try your utmost in obtaining legitimate delivery-driver insurance even if it be a bit pricey. If doing so does not make economic sense, we advise that you seek another form of employment till you either reach the age of 21 or are able to afford the extra premium charged by certain companies for the delivery-driver insurance.
Only Allah ﷻ knows best.
Written by Mufti Nuski Cassim
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
References:
[1]
“يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَوۡفُواْ بِٱلۡعُقُودِۚ”
سورة المائدة، رقم الآية: ١
“الْمَكْرُ وَالْخَدِيعَةُ فِي النَّارِ”
شعب الإيمان للبيهقي، رقم الحديث: ٦٥٧١