Working for insurance companies

Aslam-o-Alikum -

Question:

I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to seek guidance and clarification on a matter that pertains to the permissibility of engaging in sales calls for an ACA (Affordable Care Act) program within the scope of Islamic principles.

I represent a telemarketing company in Pakistan that specializes in outreach campaigns for various services, including health insurance programs such as the ACA. Our typical procedure involves contacting individuals to inquire if they are interested in learning more about the ACA program. If they express interest, we then connect them with foreign agents in USA who provide further details and assistance regarding the program and based on those calls we are being paid.

Given the nature of our work, we wish to ensure that our actions align with Islamic teachings and principles. Therefore, we kindly request a fatwa from the esteemed Sharia Board regarding the permissibility of engaging in such sales calls within the framework of Islamic ethics.

Specifically, we seek guidance on the following points:

Is it permissible in Islam to engage in sales calls for a program such as the ACA, which aims to provide affordable healthcare coverage to individuals?

Are there any specific guidelines or restrictions that we should adhere to while conducting these sales calls to ensure they comply with Islamic principles?

Does the involvement of our company as an intermediary in connecting interested individuals with ACA program agents raise any ethical concerns from an Islamic perspective?

We understand the importance of conducting our business in a manner that is ethically and morally sound according to Islamic teachings. Therefore, your expert opinion on this matter would be immensely valuable to us in guiding our actions.

We sincerely appreciate your time and consideration in addressing our inquiry. Please feel free to reach out if any additional information is required from our end. We eagerly await your response and guidance on this matter.

Thank you for your attention to this request, Jizak Allah

Answer:

Wa alaikum Salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu, 

It would be permitted to take on a job provided that: (a) the work itself is permitted and (b) the income that one receives is from a permitted source.

If your job at the company does not involve directly dealing with interest or directing people to buy insurance policies, it would be permitted. Otherwise, it would not be because insurance is not permitted.

Insurance is unlawful (haram) according to Shariah.

The reason why all forms of commercial insurances prevalent in modern trade are unlawful and against the principles of Shariah, is that they have either an element of interest (riba) or chancing (qimar), both of which have been explicitly and sternly forbidden by Allah Most High and his Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم. 

The way you have described your job is that you direct people towards these insurance companies, and for this reason, it is not permitted to work in such places. Shariah has given ease to people within the proper bounds, you can continue this Job until you find a suitable, permissible means of income (provided you are making an effort to look for a new job). 

And Allah knows best 

Mufti Umer Farooq Saleem