Question:-
I don’t have AA for my car. I’m getting married and I’m concerned that if I’m driving, considering the roads are not in the best condition and to get assistance is a rarity these day, Allah Ta’ala forbid, my tire gets punctured, or something happens on the road, then it will be difficult for me to fix the problem. Alhamdullilah, no problems have occurred thus far. Is it advisable to take out an Autombile Association membership from a Deeni perspective?
Answer:-
The AA membership is an insurance scheme similar to all other forms of insurance, hence it will be considered as Haraam. You will be paying a monthly or yearly premium to the AA (depending on the type of cover that you choose), but there is no guarantee that you will require their assistance and services, hence it falls in the category of gambling. On the other hand, you may have contributed R1000.00, for example, in premiums and the benefit that you derive from the AA may be worth R5000.00 (in the case of experiencing a breakdown). In this instance, the additional R4000.00 benefit that you derived will be considered as interest which is also Haraam. We therefore advise abstention.
We suggest that before every journey you discharge a certain amount of Sadaqah and make Dua to Allah Ta’ala to grant you a safe and comfortable journey. We hope that through the Barakah of such actions you will be protected Insha’Allah.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 29 Jumad-al-Ula 1443 / 03 January 2022
