Is it permissible to open a commercial shop that necessitates commercial insurance, which is forbidden due to gharar (excessive uncertainty), if insurance is mandatory in a country like France and cooperative insurance is unavailable? And is this considered one of the necessities of people that permits gharar, taking into account situations such as having another source of income that is uncertain or unstable, or if the investment is to fulfill the Muslims' need for halal food or for Hajj?
It is impermissible to engage in commercial insurance due to the presence of usury (riba), uncertainty (gharar), gambling (maysir), harm (darar), and the unlawful consumption of wealth. However, if a Muslim is compelled to do so and finds no alternative, then in such a case, he must insure for the minimum legally acceptable amount. The sin then falls upon the one who coerced him. It is permissible for a Muslim to benefit from the insurance to the extent of what he has paid.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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