Actuarial Science
QUESTION:
I would like to know if it is permissible to pursue a career in Actuarial Science and Data Science?
ANSWER:
1. Actuarial Science is the discipline that applies mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk in insurance, pension, finance, investment and other industries and professions. More generally, actuaries apply rigorous mathematics to model matters of uncertainty. (Wikipedia).
Since Actuarial Science leads to dealing with many transactions that are impermissible in the Shar’iah such as insurance, interest-based contracts, etc. we advise that one should refrain from studying it. Secondly, it is the Aqeedah (belief) of a Muslim that Allah Ta’ala is the Controller of everything. It is impossible to predict what Allah Ta’ala decides with regard to markets, pricing, etc. Thirdly, actuaries are very well paid hence, even if one studies with the intention of not getting involved in any of the impermissible areas, there is a strong possibility of them getting involved in it due to the lucrative salaries and positions offered.
Consider the following Aayat and Ahaadith:
وَأَحَلَّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْبَيْعَ وَحَرَّمَ ٱلرِّبَوٰا
“And Allah has made trade permissible and made interest impermissible.”
(Surah al-Baqarah 275)
يَمْحَقُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلرِّبَوٰا وَيُرْبِى ٱلصَّدَقَـٰتِ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ كَفَّارٍ أَثِيمٍ
“Allah destroys interest and gives increase for charities. And Allah does not like every sinning believer.”
(Surah al-Baqarah 276)
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا ٱتَّقُوا ٱللَّهَ وَذَرُوا مَا بَقِىَ مِنَ ٱلرِّبَوٰٓا إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ
فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ وَإِن تُبْتُمْ فَلَكُمْ رُءُوسُ أَمْوَٰلِكُمْ لَا تَظْلِمُونَ وَلَا تُظْلَمُون
“O you who believe, fear Allah, and give up what remains of interest, if you are true believers. And if you do not, then beware of a war with Allah and His Messenger. But, if you repent, you may retain your principal (amount of wealth), you do no wrong, nor are you wronged.”
(Surah al-Baqarah 278 – 279)
حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عَوَانَةَ، عَنْ سِمَاكِ بْنِ حَرْبٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ مَسْعُودٍ، قَالَ لَعَنَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم آكِلَ الرِّبَا وَمُوكِلَهُ وَشَاهِدَيْهِ وَكَاتِبَهُ.
”The Messenger of Allah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam cursed the one who consumed Riba, and the one who charged it, those who witnessed it, and the one who recorded it.”
(Tirmidhi 1206)
انشورنس سود اور قمار پر مشتمل ہونے کی بنا پر بالکل حرام ہے (فتاؤى عثماني 3/314)
2. A data scientist is a professional who analyses data and makes statistical predictions. They use not just numerical data but a wide variety of data, including abstract data collections to find solutions to complex problems and make predictions. They work with a broad range of topics since their techniques apply to a large spectrum of insight and you can find data scientists in almost every industry, from healthcare to technology. Data scientists often design the questions they answer themselves, which is just as important as finding the answers and analyzing what insights they reveal. (indeed.com)
Based on the above information and according to our understanding, data science also revolves around making future speculations and predictions regarding various fields and topics. Since this also involves predictions, we advise abstention.
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Abdul Kader Fazlani
Date: 28 Shawwaal 1447 / 17 April 2026
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb