Rethinking life insurance for the modern Muslim

Many people believe that life insurance is haram because they assume it involves riba (interest), gharar (uncertainty), and maysir (gambling) - all of which are prohibited in Islam.

But before we rush to dismiss the concept entirely, let’s pause and ask a deeper question: Is there a way for Muslims to ensure their loved ones are cared for, even after they’ve passed away?

Dispelling misconceptions 
For many Muslims, life insurance feels like a Western product tainted by practices that clash with Islamic ethics. And to be fair, traditional life insurance - particularly in its commercial form - does raise some valid concerns. The involvement of interest-bearing investments and uncertainty about payouts makes most life insurance haram for Muslims.

But here’s the catch: life insurance, at its core, isn’t about gambling or exploiting people’s misfortunes. It’s about ensuring that, after you’re gone, your dependents are taken care of. The question isn’t whether the concept of life insurance is problematic - it’s how we can structure it so it adheres to Islamic principles.

Financial protection principle as old as Islam

Think life insurance is too modern to even become Shariah-compliant? Think again. Mutual financial protection is not new to Islam.

In fact, in early Muslim communities there were systems in place to help people manage financial burdens after an unexpected death. A key example is the Aqilah system, developed during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This system allowed tribe members to collectively contribute and pay diyyah (blood money) in cases of accidental death, thus protecting families from financial ruin.

The Aqilah system is rooted in solidarity and cooperation - values that are also central to the concept of life insurance. Much like the Aqilah system pooled resources for collective protection, life insurance, when structured ethically, aims to ensure financial security for families facing loss.

Islamic mandate to protect families

Islam places a strong emphasis on family protection, both financially and otherwise.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “It is better for you to leave your inheritors wealthy than to leave them poor, begging from others” (Sahih al-Bukhari).

This hadith underscores the obligation of Nafaqah, or providing for one’s dependents, even after death.

This goes to show that planning for the well-being of our families isn’t just a modern concern; it’s rooted in Islamic responsibility. Just as we prepare for the afterlife through good deeds, we are encouraged to plan for our families’ futures in this life. And life insurance, when structured to avoid riba and gharar, becomes a viable way to fulfill this obligation.

The heart of the issue often lies in misunderstanding what life insurance is designed to achieve. At its core, life insurance is about ta’awun, or mutual protection, a value that aligns perfectly with Islamic ethics. It’s not about profiting from death, nor is it about taking unnecessary risks. In fact, life insurance is a way of pooling resources to protect dependents, ensuring that they don’t fall into financial hardship in the event of a loved one’s passing. This communal approach mirrors the Aqilah system, where the goal was to share the burden and alleviate the strain on individuals or families in need.

Why Muslims must reconsider life insurance

The controversy surrounding life insurance within the Muslim community is largely tied to its association with Western financial systems. When structured correctly - according to Islamic values - life insurance allows Muslims to uphold their duties to their families even after they’re gone.

While traditional life insurance models do involve elements that are haram, the core idea behind it - providing for your loved ones in case of death - is deeply aligned with Islamic principles. By looking at historical precedents like the Aqilah system, we can reframe life insurance as an extension of mutual support and responsibility.

In a world where sudden loss can leave families financially vulnerable, it’s crucial for Muslims to think about how best to protect their loved ones. A Shariah-compliant approach to life insurance, built on ta’awun and maslahah, ensures we fulfill our obligations while also safeguarding the financial well-being of those we care about most.

Sharene Lee is chief operating officer and Ameerah Langer is brand & communications head at Takadao