Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
I’m an artist who specializes in calligraphy and non-figurative works. I sent my artwork off to a show through postal mail. The package was empty upon arrival and I think someone either damaged or stolen the goods. Because I wasn’t sure if getting insurance on the package was halal, I didn’t purchase it. Did I do the right thing? The insurance would entail covering the total value of the work. Here is a link to understand it better. http://www.usps.com/insurance/welcome.htm. Is this halal, and if not are there alternatives because I have a business that’s growing and I send out artwork all the time?
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
I pray that this finds you well, and in the best of health and spirits. May Allah grant you all good and success in this life and the next.
Insurance is problematic, except in very exceptional circumstances–such as when it is the only way of avoiding undue harm. One way to avoid this whole issue completely would be to make your sales binding upon shipment–such that the shipment is on the liability of the purchaser. If the shipment is on behalf of the purchaser, there are several advantages for you: even when the insurance doesn’t cover it, you would not be responsible if anything happens after you give the artwork to the shipper.
Many individuals and businesses that have sensitive goods–art, perfume, calligraphy, antiques, manuscripts–do this, and it avoids undue liability.
If the shipment is the responsibility of the purchaser, if they choose insured shipping, and you wouldn’t be responsible.
And Allah alone gives success.
Faraz Rabbani