The Islamic Ruling on Arisan: Is It Permissible? Here Are the Conditions

Arisan is one of the most popular traditions in Indonesia. Almost every social group is familiar with this practice — from homemakers and office workers to community circles.

Besides serving as a collective savings tool, arisan is also a means of strengthening social ties. But as a Muslim, do you know the Islamic ruling on arisan? Let’s take a closer look below.

What Is Arisan?

In simple terms, arisan is an activity where participants pool a certain amount of money or goods of equal value within a set period. Once collected, the funds are given to one member, chosen either by draw or according to an agreed order.

This cycle continues until all members have received their share. As such, arisan is considered a form of rotating savings or loans that benefit everyone involved.

In practice, arisan can take many forms — cash, goods, gold, or even daily necessities. Its main purpose is to make it easier for members to access substantial funds or items quickly, without borrowing from external parties.

The Islamic Ruling on Arisan

In Islam, arisan is generally permissible as long as it avoids prohibited elements such as riba (usury), gambling, or gharar (excessive uncertainty).

Scholars agree that arisan can be likened to a qardh (loan) contract, which is allowed, because every participant is entitled to the same right in turn.

Furthermore, according to several scholars, arisan falls under the category of mutual assistance among Muslims. This aligns with Allah’s command to help one another in goodness, as stated in Surah Al-Maidah (5:2):

“And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.”

Therefore, if organized in accordance with Sharia rules, the ruling on arisan is mubah (permissible). However, if it involves usury, injustice, or harm to any party, it becomes forbidden.

Scriptural Basis for Arisan

Although arisan is not explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an or Hadith, scholars base its permissibility on general principles of muamalah (transactions). Arisan is allowed because it involves lending funds that are later returned in equal amount, without any addition.

It is also regarded as an act of mutual support, where the primary aim is not profit but helping others meet financial needs.

One verse often referenced regarding the legitimacy of such arrangements is Surah An-Nisa (4:29):

“O you who believe! Do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly, but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent among you.”

Conditions for a Permissible Arisan in Islam

To ensure that arisan complies with Sharia, several conditions must be met:

1. No Winners or Losers

Arisan must not resemble gambling, which produces winners and losers. Every participant should be guaranteed their rightful share, with no one at a disadvantage. Typically, members simply wait their turn to receive funds according to the draw results.

Once someone’s name has been selected, it is excluded from future draws unless they registered multiple slots and paid contributions for each.

This differs from gambling, where some lose money while others gain without a fair rotation system as in arisan.

2. Rotating Turns

Recipients should be determined by a clear and transparent draw or order. All participants receive their share in sequence. The term “win” in arisan doesn’t imply an actual victory, since no one suffers losses. Each contribution will be returned in full at the participant’s turn — only the order varies.

3. No Wagering of Money

Arisan must not turn into betting. It is more like a joint savings scheme, where all contributions are eventually returned to participants. The draw merely decides who gets funds first, not to provide extra gain for any individual. Any additional interest or benefit could constitute riba and render the practice unlawful.

Beyond these three main requirements, transparency and clear rules are crucial. Agreements should specify payment dates, order of recipients, and procedures if someone fails to fulfill obligations. Such clarity prevents disputes.

This explanation covers the Islamic ruling on arisan — from its definition and supporting evidence to the conditions that make it halal. By understanding these guidelines, Muslims can join arisan without worrying about breaching Sharia, while using it as a means to support one another and strengthen social bonds.

Apart from arisan, you can also pursue your financial needs through other lawful means. One option is applying for Sharia Financing through the Sharia Business Unit (UUS) of BFI Finance. This service operates under Sharia contracts, ensuring all transactions adhere to Islamic principles.

BFI Finance has been trusted by Indonesians for over 40 years as a reliable financing company. It also holds official licenses and is supervised by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), guaranteeing both security and credibility.

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