Differences in interpretation of Islamic law

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 35 views

Importance of Insurance in Modern Life

In today's complex and unpredictable world, insurance has become an essential tool for protecting oneself and one's loved ones against various risks and uncertainties. Life insurance, in particular, has gained popularity as a means of providing financial security for families in the event of the policyholder's death. However, the settlement of insurance claims disputes among insured heirs has become a contentious issue, often leading to conflicts and disagreements.

The Role of Insurance in Islamic Law

Insurance is a subject of debate among scholars and the public in the context of Islamic law. Some consider it haram (forbidden) due to its association with elements of gharar (uncertainty), maisir (gambling), and riba (usury), while others view it as an acceptable solution. The Islamic law of inheritance, as outlined in the Quran and Hadith, emphasizes the importance of distributing wealth fairly among all heirs, while also covering the costs of managing the deceased's body, paying off debts, and fulfilling zakat and will obligations.

The Problem of Insurance Claims Disputes

Life insurance policies, including those managed by general and social insurance companies such as PT. Jamsostek and PT. Jasa Raharja, typically provide for the distribution of claim funds to the policyholder's heirs in accordance with the appointment made in the policy. However, this provision often conflicts with the Islamic law of inheritance, which requires that all inheritance be distributed fairly among all heirs. This discrepancy can lead to disputes among heirs, particularly when it comes to the distribution of claim funds.

Factors Contributing to Insurance Claims Disputes

Several factors contribute to the occurrence of insurance claims disputes among insured heirs. These include:

Differences in interpretation of Islamic law: The Islamic law of inheritance is subject to varying interpretations, leading to disagreements among scholars and the public.
Lack of clear guidelines: The absence of clear guidelines on the distribution of claim funds can lead to confusion and disputes among heirs.
Cultural and social factors: Cultural and social factors, such as family dynamics and social status, can influence the distribution of claim funds and contribute to disputes.

Judicial Decisions on Insurance Claims Disputes

The judicial practice has issued three different decisions related to insurance claims disputes. The Religious Courts and High Religious Courts tend to view claim funds as tirkah (joint property) based on Islamic inheritance law. In contrast, the Supreme Court stipulates that insurance claims are the absolute property of the wife, based on the appointment made by the deceased before he died.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Insurance Product

The occurrence of insurance claims disputes among insured heirs highlights the importance of choosing the right insurance product. Takaful insurance, an alternative to traditional insurance, reflects the principles of Islamic sharia and provides a more equitable distribution of claim funds among all heirs.

Resolving Insurance Claims Disputes Peacefully

In the event of a dispute, a peaceful approach and deliberation are highly recommended to maintain family relations. The Quran emphasizes the importance of helping each other in goodness and piety, while also reminding us to stay away from hostility. By being wise and understanding, it is hoped that insurance claims disputes can be resolved fairly without having to decide on the relationship between family members.

Conclusion

The settlement of insurance claims disputes among insured heirs is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of Islamic law, cultural and social factors, and judicial decisions. By choosing the right insurance product and adopting a peaceful approach to resolving disputes, it is possible to maintain family relations and ensure a fair distribution of claim funds among all heirs.

References

[1] Islamic Law of Inheritance
[2] Life Insurance Policies
[3] Takaful Insurance
[4] Judicial Decisions on Insurance Claims Disputes
[5] Quran and Hadith

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main cause of insurance claims disputes among insured heirs?

A: The main cause of insurance claims disputes among insured heirs is the difference in interpretation of Islamic law, particularly the Islamic law of inheritance, and the provision of life insurance policies that often conflict with this law.

Q: How do Religious Courts and High Religious Courts view claim funds in insurance claims disputes?

A: Religious Courts and High Religious Courts tend to view claim funds as tirkah (joint property) based on Islamic inheritance law.

Q: What is the Supreme Court's stance on insurance claims disputes?

A: The Supreme Court stipulates that insurance claims are the absolute property of the wife, based on the appointment made by the deceased before he died.

Q: What is Takaful insurance, and how does it differ from traditional insurance?

A: Takaful insurance is an alternative to traditional insurance that reflects the principles of Islamic sharia. It provides a more equitable distribution of claim funds among all heirs, rather than just the appointed beneficiary.

Q: How can insurance claims disputes be resolved peacefully?

A: Insurance claims disputes can be resolved peacefully through a deliberative approach, maintaining family relations, and considering the principles of Islamic sharia.

Q: What is the importance of choosing the right insurance product?

A: Choosing the right insurance product is crucial in avoiding disputes among insured heirs. Takaful insurance, for example, provides a more equitable distribution of claim funds and reflects the principles of Islamic sharia.

Q: What is the role of cultural and social factors in insurance claims disputes?

A: Cultural and social factors, such as family dynamics and social status, can influence the distribution of claim funds and contribute to disputes among insured heirs.

Q: How can the Quran's teachings be applied to resolve insurance claims disputes?

A: The Quran's teachings emphasize the importance of helping each other in goodness and piety, while also reminding us to stay away from hostility. By being wise and understanding, it is hoped that insurance claims disputes can be resolved fairly without having to decide on the relationship between family members.

Q: What is the significance of the Islamic law of inheritance in insurance claims disputes?

A: The Islamic law of inheritance is significant in insurance claims disputes as it requires that all inheritance be distributed fairly among all heirs, while also covering the costs of managing the deceased's body, paying off debts, and fulfilling zakat and will obligations.

Q: How can the judicial practice's decisions on insurance claims disputes be applied in real-life situations?

A: The judicial practice's decisions on insurance claims disputes can be applied in real-life situations by considering the principles of Islamic sharia, the Islamic law of inheritance, and the provision of life insurance policies.

Q: What is the importance of maintaining family relations in resolving insurance claims disputes?

A: Maintaining family relations is crucial in resolving insurance claims disputes peacefully. By being wise and understanding, it is hoped that insurance claims disputes can be resolved fairly without having to decide on the relationship between family members.

Q: How can Takaful insurance be a solution to insurance claims disputes among insured heirs?

A: Takaful insurance can be a solution to insurance claims disputes among insured heirs as it provides a more equitable distribution of claim funds and reflects the principles of Islamic sharia.

Q: What is the significance of the Quran and Hadith in resolving insurance claims disputes?

A: The Quran and Hadith are significant in resolving insurance claims disputes as they provide guidance on the principles of Islamic sharia and the importance of maintaining family relations.

Q: How can the judicial practice's decisions on insurance claims disputes be used to inform future decisions?

A: The judicial practice's decisions on insurance claims disputes can be used to inform future decisions by considering the principles of Islamic sharia, the Islamic law of inheritance, and the provision of life insurance policies.

Q: What is the importance of being wise and understanding in resolving insurance claims disputes?

A: Being wise and understanding is crucial in resolving insurance claims disputes peacefully. By considering the principles of Islamic sharia, the Islamic law of inheritance, and the provision of life insurance policies, it is hoped that insurance claims disputes can be resolved fairly without having to decide on the relationship between family members.