Islamic insurance, also known as takaful, is based on principles of mutual assistance and cooperation rather than commercial insurance principles involving interest and gambling. It operates through members contributing funds into a shared pool to compensate anyone who suffers specified losses. Key differences from conventional insurance are that takaful contracts cannot be based on buying and selling and must avoid uncertainty. Common takaful products include family, medical, fire, motor and accident plans. Islamic scholars have developed takaful as an alternative to conventional insurance that is compliant with Sharia law.

1. ISLAMIC INSURANCE