Fatwa #887216 June 2003South Africa
Is medical aid permissable (hospital plan)
Question
in this day and age,not every one can afford hospital bills,therefore can we have just the hospital plan,so that atleast most of the expenses will be taken care off,incase if a accident occuring.
Answer
In principle, all conventional medical aid schemes and insurance policies
have three un-Islamic factors; a) Interest, b) Gambling, and c) Uncertainty
in them.
The only waiver to these un-Islamic factors is Dhuroorat which is loosely
translated as need. It is important to point out that every need does not
qualify as a waiver. The term Dhuroorah has a specific juristic definition
which serves as a scale for Muftis to measure circumstances through it to
consider a waiver. Generally, the circumstances of every individual differ
from one another. A waiver, in Shari'ah, for one may not necessarily serve
as a waiver for another.
In view of the above explanation, it is clear that a general ruling on
conventional medical aid and insurance cannot be issued. We advise you refer
your personal circumstances to a Mufti you have confidence in to assess your
situation and advise you accordingly.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
have three un-Islamic factors; a) Interest, b) Gambling, and c) Uncertainty
in them.
The only waiver to these un-Islamic factors is Dhuroorat which is loosely
translated as need. It is important to point out that every need does not
qualify as a waiver. The term Dhuroorah has a specific juristic definition
which serves as a scale for Muftis to measure circumstances through it to
consider a waiver. Generally, the circumstances of every individual differ
from one another. A waiver, in Shari'ah, for one may not necessarily serve
as a waiver for another.
In view of the above explanation, it is clear that a general ruling on
conventional medical aid and insurance cannot be issued. We advise you refer
your personal circumstances to a Mufti you have confidence in to assess your
situation and advise you accordingly.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best