Jakarta, NU Online
The Indonesia's largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) has supported the implementation of sharia-based insurance for hajj pilgrims.<>

"It is considered important to provide protection to hajj and umrah pilgrims," NU chairman Slamet Effendi Yusuf said recently, adding that comfortable worship for hajj was not only limited to the provision of hajj facilities, but also insurance services for unpredictable incidents.

"Therefore, it is time to develop hajj insurance according to the Islamic rules," Yusuf who is also chairman of the Indoensian Ulema Council (MUI) added.

The National Sharia Council in MUI said that hajj insurance should base on Islamic law or non-conventional system. Hajj is a long process and having high risks. The existence of hajj insurance will provide benefits for Indonesian pilgrims.

"They no longer worry about other situation and feel more comfortable," Yusuf added.

Minister of Religion Affairs will act as parent of police holders and responsible for the implementation with applicable regulation in  the country. Chairman of Association of Islamic Insurance, Pramana Adi said that Indonesia had Takaful products with basic concept of helping others among participants of insurance.

"The lucky pilgrims will help the unlucky with grant concept. Insurance company is only as a fund manager," Adi said.

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq