Insuring A Masjid

QUESTION:

An Islamic society owns certain properties, such as Masaajid, a wedding hall, a mall, and some residential houses. It is not legally mandatory to insure these properties.

However, if a person is injured or dies on our premises — especially in places such as the wedding hall or mall — that person, or their heirs, may legally file a compensation claim against the society. In some cases, there is even the possibility of false claims being made. In such a situation, is it permissible for us to obtain insurance for our properties?

Furthermore, if comprehensive building or property insurance is not considered permissible according to Shariah, would it be permissible to obtain only Third-Party / Liability Insurance, in order to protect the society against potential legal claims and compensation liabilities?

ANSWER:

We do not approve of any insurance schemes, whether medical or any other conventional insurance scheme. The element of both Riba and gambling are found in all forms of insurance, thereby rendering them Haraam and impermissible in Shari’ah.

Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, “Protect your wealth through Zakaat (that is, by discharging your Zakaat correctly), treat your ill through Sadaqah, and face (your) difficulties with Dua.” [Kanzul Ummal Pg.831 Vol.15]

The Hadith provides a solution for protecting one’s self from all forms of difficulties, whether related to one’s health, or protection of one’s assets, belongings, etc. The promises of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam are 100% true and the results are 100% guaranteed. On the other hand, the very objective of insurance companies is to enrich themselves, hence they look for every loophole to avoid payment on receiving a claim.

Secondly, by adopting the means of protection provided by Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam one will be obeying Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. On the contrary, by benefiting in an impermissible manner from insurance companies, one will be displeasing Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, thereby incurring their curses.

Thirdly, by placing our trust and reliance on Allah Ta’ala, we will be assisted by Him at the time of need, whereas we will be deprived of divine assistance by placing our reliance on other human beings.

In conclusion, we do not approve of insurance. We advise the Ummah to place their trust and reliance totally upon Allah Ta’ala and to adopt the means of protection prescribed in the Quraan and Hadith Sharif.

لأنه تعليق الملك علي الخطر والمال في الجانبين (امداد الفتاوي ج٣ص١٦١)

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Ahmed Saeed

Date: 03 Dhul Hijjah 1447 / 22 May 2026

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb