نوع مقاله : علمی - پژوهشی (تحلیل اقتصادی ابزارهای مالی اسلامی)

نویسندگان

• یزدان گودرزی فراهانی ¹
• امیدعلی عادلی ²

¹ استادیار، گروه اقتصاد، دانشکده اقتصاد، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران

² دانشیار، گروه اقتصاد اسلامی، دانشکده علوم اقتصادی و اداری، دانشگاه قم، قم، ایران

چکیده

1. مقدمه و هدف
بیمه‌های خرد به‌عنوان یکی از ابزارهای تأمین مالی خرد، نقشی مهم در حمایت از اقشار کم‌درآمد ایفا می‌کند. امروزه این نوع بیمه به‌عنوان راهکاری کلیدی برای بهبود شرایط زندگی جمعیت‌های آسیب‌پذیر شناخته می‌شود. در کشورهای اسلامی، نوعی مشارکت مالی به نام تکافل وجود دارد که برگرفته از اصل «کفالت همگانی» است و شکلی از حفاظت مالی بر پایه‌ی کمک متقابل و توزیع مشترک ریسک به شمار می‌رود. تکافل، نظامی مبتنی بر تعاون (کمک متقابل) و تبرع (همکاری داوطلبانه) است که در آن، ریسک به‌صورت داوطلبانه و اشتراکی میان مشارکت‌کنندگان تقسیم می‌شود. هدف این پژوهش، توسعه و تعمیق تکافل در ایران و بررسی چالش‌های پیاده‌سازی محصولات تکافل خرد در کشور است؛ موضوعی که با توجه به سطح بالای ریسک و تعدد خطرات پیش‌رو، نیازمند توجه جدی است.
2. مواد و روش‌ها
این پژوهش با رویکردی اکتشافی به بررسی محصولات تکافل خرد و ویژگی‌های آن در کشورهای مختلف پرداخته است. پس از شناسایی نمونه‌ها در دیگر کشورها، امکان‌سنجی پیاده‌سازی این محصولات در ایران بر پایه قواعد شرعی و اسلامی و از طریق مصاحبه با خبرگان صورت گرفت. داده‌های گردآوری‌شده سپس با آزمون‌های آماری تحلیل شدند و اهداف تحقیق بر اساس نتایج حاصل از مطالعه SWOT مورد بررسی قرار گرفتند.
3. یافته‌های تحقیق
نتایج نشان داد که یکی از مهم‌ترین چالش‌ها در ایران، کمبود آگاهی عمومی درباره مفهوم و کارکرد تکافل است. چالش دیگر، فقدان چارچوب قانونی و نظارتی مناسب برای حمایت از این صنعت محسوب می‌شود. در مقابل، فرصت‌هایی همچون افزایش توجه به مفاهیم مالی اسلامی و تمایل جامعه به استفاده از خدمات مالی منطبق با اصول شرعی می‌تواند زمینه‌ساز رشد این صنعت باشد.
      برگزاری کارگاه‌ها و سمینارهای آموزشی برای معرفی مزایا و سازوکار تکافل خرد به جامعه هدف، اقدامی مؤثر در افزایش آگاهی است. این آموزش‌ها باید شامل توضیحاتی درباره اصول شریعت و چگونگی انطباق تکافل خرد با آن باشد. همچنین طراحی محصولات متناسب با نیازهای جامعه هدف ـ مانند پوشش حوادث طبیعی، بیماری‌های رایج و سایر خطرات روزمره ـ می‌تواند نقش مهمی در جذب مشتریان ایفا کند.
4. نتیجه‌گیری
بر پایه‌ نتایج به‌دست‌آمده، دولت‌ها باید چارچوب‌های قانونی و نظارتی مناسبی برای حمایت از تکافل خرد فراهم آورند. این اقدامات شامل تسهیل فرآیند ثبت‌نام شرکت‌ها و ارائه مشوق‌های مالی برای توسعه این صنعت است. افزون بر این، بهره‌گیری از فناوری‌های نوین همچون بانکداری همراه و سامانه‌های آنلاین می‌تواند دسترسی به خدمات تکافل خرد را تسهیل کند؛ به‌گونه‌ای که فرآیندهایی مانند ثبت‌نام، پرداخت حق بیمه و دریافت خسارت ساده‌تر و سریع‌تر انجام شوند.
      همچنین همکاری با سازمان‌های غیردولتی، مؤسسات خیریه و جوامع محلی به گسترش دامنه دسترسی و معرفی خدمات تکافل خرد کمک خواهد کرد. در نهایت، انجام تحقیقات بازار برای شناسایی دقیق نیازها و ترجیحات مشتریان، به شرکت‌ها این امکان را می‌دهد که محصولات خود را کارآمدتر طراحی کنند و راهبردهای بازاریابی مؤثرتری را به اجرا بگذارند.

کلیدواژه‌ها

• تکافل
• بیمه خرد
• تعاون
• چالش
• فرصت

موضوعات

• ابزارهای تأمین مالی اسلامی

عنوان مقاله [English]

Challenges of Implementing Micro Takaful in Iran and Proposed Solutions for Its Operationalization

نویسندگان [English]

• Yazdan Gudarzi Farahani ¹
• Omidali Adeli ²

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

² Associate Professor, Department of Islamic Economics, Faculty of Management and Accounting, University of Qom, Qom, Iran

چکیده [English]

1. Introduction and Objective
Microinsurance has emerged as a pivotal instrument for financial inclusion and risk protection among low-income populations worldwide. Designed to provide affordable and accessible coverage for vulnerable groups, microinsurance mitigates the socio-economic impacts of unforeseen events such as illness, natural disasters, or the loss of livelihood. Within Islamic financial systems, this role is complemented and sometimes substituted by Takaful, an insurance mechanism rooted in Islamic jurisprudence and built upon the principles of taʿāwun (mutual cooperation) and tabarruʿ (voluntary contribution). Unlike conventional insurance, which is often criticized in Islamic jurisprudence for containing elements of uncertainty (gharar), gambling (maysir), or usury (ribā), Takaful offers a Sharia-compliant alternative that redistributes risk through solidarity and shared responsibility among participants.
      The concept of micro-Takaful represents a convergence of these two frameworks: the affordability and accessibility of microinsurance, and the ethical, faith-based principles of Takaful. It seeks to provide coverage tailored to the needs of low-income groups in Muslim-majority contexts. By emphasizing cooperation and redistribution of resources, micro-Takaful has the potential to serve as both a financial safety net and a tool for poverty alleviation.
      The Iranian context underscores the necessity of exploring micro-Takaful. Despite the high prevalence of economic risks—ranging from health vulnerabilities and agricultural uncertainties to macroeconomic instability—insurance penetration remains low. A significant portion of Iran’s population, particularly in rural and low-income communities, lacks awareness of insurance products or the financial capacity to purchase them. At the same time, Iran’s socio-religious environment, with a population predominantly Muslim, provides fertile ground for Sharia-based financial products.
      This study, therefore, aims to explore the feasibility of implementing micro-Takaful in Iran. The central objectives are:

- To investigate global models of micro-Takaful and extract their key characteristics.
- To assess how such models can be adapted to the Iranian context.
- To identify challenges and barriers to implementation, including regulatory, cultural, and financial factors.
- To propose practical solutions that can strengthen the foundations for micro-Takaful development in Iran.

      The study contributes to the growing body of literature on Islamic finance by offering a systematic and context-specific analysis of how micro-Takaful can enhance financial inclusion, social protection, and sustainable development in Iran.
2. Methods and Materials
This research employed an exploratory qualitative design complemented by analytical methods. The study was conducted in three main phases:
      Phase One: Literature Review and Comparative Study.
      A comprehensive review of existing scholarship and industry reports on Takaful and microinsurance was conducted. The literature covered diverse geographical contexts, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Middle Eastern countries. Particular attention was given to comparative studies of Takaful and conventional insurance, the historical evolution of micro-Takaful, and empirical research on consumer behavior, regulatory environments, and market structures.
      Phase Two: Data Collection through Expert Interviews.
      Given the absence of large-scale empirical data on micro-Takaful in Iran, expert opinions were prioritized. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with academics, policymakers, senior managers of insurance companies, and specialists in Islamic finance. Participants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques, ensuring diversity in expertise. At least 15 experts with more than a decade of experience in insurance and finance were interviewed.
      Phase Three: Analytical Framework Using SWOT.
      The SWOT framework—strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats—was used to systematize findings. Expert opinions, supported by secondary data, were coded and categorized to identify internal capacities and external factors influencing the feasibility of micro-Takaful in Iran. Additionally, quantitative elements were introduced through pairwise comparison matrices and the logarithmic least squares method, enabling prioritization of factors and determination of weightings.
      The methodological combination of qualitative exploration and analytical modeling allowed for both in-depth understanding and structured evaluation of the prospects for micro-Takaful in Iran.
3. Research Findings
The findings highlight multiple dimensions of both promise and challenge:
Key Challenges
1. Lack of Public Awareness: One of the most critical barriers is the limited understanding among the general population of what Takaful is, how it operates, and why it differs from conventional insurance. Misconceptions equating Takaful with standard insurance undermine trust and willingness to participate.
2. Regulatory and Legal Deficiencies: Iran currently lacks a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework specifically addressing Takaful. This gap creates uncertainty for operators and participants, deterring investment and limiting institutional growth.
3. Financial Constraints: Low-income households, the primary target group, face difficulties in paying even minimal premiums. Affordability remains a pressing issue that can hinder widespread adoption.
4. Cultural and Institutional Limitations: Limited familiarity among policymakers and practitioners with micro-Takaful models results in hesitancy and fragmented implementation strategies.

B. Opportunities and Strengths
1. Religious and Cultural Alignment: Iran’s strong Islamic identity provides a natural foundation for Takaful products, which are likely to resonate with the values and preferences of consumers.
2. Potential Market Size: With a significant portion of the population living near or below the poverty line, demand for affordable financial protection mechanisms is high.
3. Existing Microfinance Infrastructure: The presence of microfinance institutions and rural development programs provides a distribution channel that can be leveraged for Takaful expansion.
4. Technological Penetration: Widespread use of mobile phones and digital banking systems in Iran enables cost-effective delivery and management of micro-Takaful products.

 C. Proposed Strategies and Solutions
1. Education and Awareness Campaigns: Conducting workshops, seminars, and targeted outreach to build trust and familiarity among potential participants.
2. Product Innovation: Designing micro-Takaful products tailored to specific risks, such as agricultural losses, health emergencies, and natural disasters.
3. Regulatory Reform: Establishing clear legal guidelines and supervisory frameworks to standardize operations and protect consumers.
4. Technology Integration: Using mobile platforms for registration, premium collection, and claims processing to lower costs and enhance accessibility.
5. Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with NGOs, microfinance institutions, and community organizations to expand reach.

4. Discussion and Conclusion
The analysis underscores that micro-Takaful has the potential to become a transformative instrument in Iran’s financial and social landscape. Its dual foundation—addressing financial inclusion while aligning with Islamic principles—makes it particularly well-suited to the country’s socio-economic context.
     However, realizing this potential requires addressing critical challenges. Awareness gaps must be bridged through sustained educational initiatives, while regulatory reforms are essential to provide stability and clarity for both providers and participants. Affordability issues necessitate innovative pricing models and possibly integration with charitable mechanisms such as zakāt and waqf.
      From a comparative perspective, successful experiences in Malaysia and Indonesia demonstrate that strong governance, consumer trust, and institutional innovation are prerequisites for the growth of micro-Takaful. Iran can draw valuable lessons from these contexts but must also tailor solutions to its unique socio-economic and regulatory environment.
      The findings of this study also highlight the broader implications of micro-Takaful for sustainable development. By reducing vulnerability to risks and shocks, micro-Takaful can contribute to poverty alleviation, enhance resilience among marginalized groups, and foster social solidarity. Moreover, its integration with digital platforms aligns with global trends in financial technology, offering opportunities for scalability and efficiency.
Conclusion:
This study concludes that while the road to establishing micro-Takaful in Iran is fraught with challenges, it is also rich with opportunities. With appropriate legal frameworks, innovative product design, and strategic collaboration, micro-Takaful can evolve into a vital component of Iran’s financial system. Its development will not only strengthen the insurance sector but also advance the broader objectives of financial inclusion, social protection, and sustainable economic growth.

کلیدواژه‌ها [English]

• Takaful
• Microinsurance
• Cooperative
• Challenge
• Opportunity