In Lebanon, Islamic insurance remains a niche: there is no specific takaful framework, the sector is supervised by the Insurance Control Commission, and the only historical operator identified, Al Aman Takaful, started in 2002 with no confirmed activity in 2026.
The Insurance Control Commission, the reference authority
The Lebanese sector is supervised by the Insurance Control Commission, known as the ICC. It licenses companies, monitors their solvency and is the first point of contact to check whether an insurer, takaful or conventional, may legally operate in Beirut.
No takaful law of its own in Lebanon
No Lebanese statute creates a specific regime for Islamic insurance. Takaful operators fall under general insurance law and ICC supervision, without separate rules on the participants' fund or any sharia governance imposed by legislation.
The August 2025 warning on unlicensed entities
In August 2025, the ICC publicly warned against companies operating without a licence and urged the public to check authorisations on its website. The reminder also applies to offers marketed as Islamic, sometimes sold by unregistered intermediaries.
A memorandum with Egypt that includes takaful
In November 2025, the ICC signed a memorandum of understanding with Egypt's financial regulator, the FRA, covering takaful among other areas. The far more developed market for Islamic insurance in Egypt could thus serve as a technical reference for the Lebanese regulator.
Al Aman Takaful, from Main Insurance to the Islamic model
Al Aman Takaful Insurance SAL, incorporated in 1987 as Main Insurance Company, is regarded as Lebanon's first Islamic insurance operator, active since 2002. In 2004, Al Baraka Bank, part of the Dallah Al Baraka group, held 70 percent of it.
Two separate funds and a sharia committee
Al Aman Takaful separates the shareholders' fund from the participants' fund, a core principle of takaful, and relies on a sharia committee. To understand this separation, see our page on the participants' fund and how it is managed.
Historically very small volumes
In 2003, Al Aman Takaful wrote around 1,040 policies for a volume close to 200,000 dollars. These old figures point to limited demand, and no recent verified data shows that Lebanese takaful business has grown significantly since then.
Checking whether the operator is still active
Al Aman Takaful's activity in 2026 could not be confirmed, and no official website was verified. Before committing, ask the ICC directly whether the company still holds its licence and which lines of business it may still underwrite.
What to look for in a conventional Lebanese policy
With no takaful offer available, examine the conventional policy: how the fund is invested, late-payment penalty clauses and any link to an interest rate. Some policyholders limit their exposure to riba in conventional insurance to compulsory cover only.
Compulsory motor insurance cannot be avoided
Whatever one's religious views, driving in Lebanon requires third-party liability insurance. The lack of a confirmed takaful motor product does not waive this obligation, so it is better to buy the minimum cover from an ICC-licensed insurer.
The Lebanese diaspora and repatriation needs
The Lebanese diaspora, present in West Africa, the Gulf and Europe, often looks for cover to repatriate the body of a deceased relative. Such cover is generally bought in the country of residence, where takaful products may be available.
Cross-border solutions from the Gulf
Lebanese nationals working in the Emirates, Saudi Arabia or Qatar have access to structured takaful markets. They can buy health, life or travel cover there, while checking that the benefits remain valid during stays in Lebanon.
Steps towards compliant cover in Lebanon
- Consult the ICC for the up-to-date list of licensed insurers and the status of Al Aman Takaful Insurance SAL.
- If a takaful operator is active, ask for its sharia committee ruling and a written description of how the funds are separated.
- Without a takaful offer, buy at least the compulsory motor third-party liability cover from a licensed Lebanese insurer.
- For health, life or travel, compare takaful products in your country of residence or in the Gulf if you work there.
- Keep proof of licensing and report any claim in writing within the deadlines set by your policy.
What makes up the cost of cover in Lebanon
| Component | Takaful contract | Conventional Lebanese contract |
|---|---|---|
| Main payment | Tabarru contribution to the participants' fund | Premium earned by the insurer |
| Management charges | Stated wakala fee | Loadings built into the premium |
| Underwriting result | Surplus possibly paid back | Profit kept by the shareholder |
| Investments | Assets approved by the sharia committee | Unrestricted assets, often bonds |
| Currency | To be specified in the policy | Dollar or lira depending on the contract |
Useful documents for insuring property in Lebanon
- Lebanese identity card or valid passport
- Proof of address in Beirut, Tripoli, Sidon or elsewhere
- Vehicle registration document, known as the mécanique, and driving licence for motor cover
- Title deed or tenancy agreement for home cover
- Health declaration for life or medical cover
- Islamic financing contract if the asset was bought through murabaha
Mistakes to avoid in Lebanon
- Signing with an intermediary who claims to be Islamic without checking its ICC licence, despite the public warning of August 2025.
- Assuming Al Aman Takaful is necessarily trading today, when its operations in 2026 could not be confirmed.
- Skipping motor third-party liability for lack of a takaful option, exposing yourself to penalties and personal debt after an accident.
- Believing Lebanese law requires Islamic insurers to have a sharia committee, when this depends solely on the operator.
- Buying Gulf cover without checking that it remains valid during extended stays in Lebanon.
Common questions on Lebanese takaful
Is there a takaful insurance law in Lebanon?
No. No specific takaful framework has been identified. Islamic operators fall under the general insurance regime and the supervision of the Insurance Control Commission, which nevertheless signed a memorandum with Egypt in 2025 that includes cooperation on takaful.
Who was Lebanon's first Islamic insurer?
Al Aman Takaful Insurance SAL, formerly Main Insurance Company, is regarded as Lebanon's first Islamic insurance operator, active since 2002. Al Baraka Bank owned 70 percent of it in 2004. Its current activity should be checked with the ICC.
How can I check an insurer's licence in Beirut?
The ICC directs the public to its website to consult the list of authorised entities, as it reiterated in August 2025. You can also contact the Commission directly before signing, especially when an offer labelled Islamic comes from a little-known intermediary.
Can a Lebanese national in the Gulf use foreign takaful?
Yes, a resident of the Emirates or Saudi Arabia can buy health, life or travel takaful locally. They should check the territorial scope of the contract during stays in Lebanon and separately buy compulsory Lebanese cover such as motor third-party liability.