Questions people ask
Straight answers about takaful, hibah and working with an agency. If yours is not here, ask us and we will answer it properly.
What is takaful, and how is it different from insurance?
Takaful is a Shariah-compliant arrangement for mutual protection. Participants contribute to a common fund with the intention of helping one another, and claims are paid from that fund. Conventional insurance transfers risk to a company in exchange for a premium. The structures differ, the documents differ, and takaful is arranged to avoid riba, gharar and maysir. In everyday use, both exist to put money in a family’s hands at the worst moment.
Can non-Muslims participate in takaful?
Yes. The arrangement follows Shariah principles, but participation is not restricted by faith. Anyone who meets a plan’s eligibility terms may take part.
What is hibah, and how is it different from a will?
Hibah is a conditional gift. Where a takaful certificate carries a hibah nomination, the benefit passes directly to the named beneficiary without waiting for estate administration. A wasiat, or bequest, takes effect through the estate, which takes longer and involves more parties. The practical difference is usually time: how quickly a family can reach the money.
How much does takaful cost?
It depends on the plan, the cover chosen, your age and health, and the term. There are no published standard rates, and a figure quoted before anyone has asked about your circumstances is a guess. A Life Planner works it out with you against a specific plan, and you see the contribution before you agree to anything.
What happens if I stop contributing?
That depends on the certificate. Some plans lapse once a grace period passes; others may continue for a time from an account value. The certificate document says which applies to yours, and it is a better question to ask before you take a plan than after. If money is tight, speak to your planner before the payment is missed, because there are usually more options then.
Who regulates takaful in Malaysia?
Takaful operators are licensed under the Islamic Financial Services Act 2013 and regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia. Each operator also appoints a Shariah committee, which reviews how plans are structured and how funds are managed, and reports independently of management.
What is the difference between Zahin Solutions and AIA PUBLIC Takaful?
Zahin Solutions is an authorised agency. We advise, arrange and service. AIA PUBLIC Takaful Bhd. is the licensed operator: it issues the certificate, holds the funds, and assesses and pays claims. When you take a plan through us, your contract is with AIA PUBLIC Takaful.
How do I make a claim?
A claim goes to the operator, which assesses it against the terms of your certificate. Your Life Planner’s job is to help you gather what is asked for and to follow it through until it is settled. The assessment and the payment are the operator’s, not ours, and nobody at an agency can promise you an outcome.
Do you arrange cover for companies as well as families?
Yes. Employee benefits are a large part of what we do: group medical, group term takaful and related cover for Malaysian employers. We also run a free Employee Benefits Health Check, which compares an existing scheme against what similar employers provide and sets out options. See Corporate Solutions.
I want to become a Life Planner. Where do I start?
The Career page sets out the pathway, the training and how to apply. In short: it is a professional practice of your own, with an established brand behind it, paid by commission, allowances and incentives rather than a salary. The honest version is that the first year is the hard one and the support is what decides how it goes.
Still have a question?
Ask it directly and a licensed consultant will answer, with no obligation.
Contact usAIA PUBLIC Takaful Bhd. is licensed under the Islamic Financial Services Act 2013 and regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia. All takaful certificates are issued by AIA PUBLIC Takaful Bhd.