Is HCA (HCA Healthcare, Inc.) Halal or Haram?

Based on our AAOIFI-standard shariah screening, HCA is classified as Doubtful. It passed 3 of 4 compliance screens. Some scholars may permit investing with income purification, while others advise avoiding it. We recommend consulting a qualified Islamic scholar before investing in HCA.

HCA Healthcare is one of the largest healthcare service providers in the United States, operating a vast network of general and acute care hospitals. The company offers essential medical and surgical services, including intensive care, cardiac care, and a wide array of outpatient facilities like freestanding ambulatory surgery and urgent care centers. For Muslim investors, HCA currently holds a Doubtful shariah compliance status based on AAOIFI standards. While its core medical services are perfectly halal and it passes the interest income and cash screens, the company fails the critical debt-to-market capitalization threshold. From an Islamic finance perspective, HCA's primary concern is its heavy reliance on leverage, with a debt-to-market cap ratio of 52.0% significantly exceeding the 33% limit. However, its interest-bearing securities and cash reserves are exceptionally low at 1.1%, and it generates virtually zero non-permissible interest income. Since the business activity itself is permissible, Muslim investors should closely monitor HCA's balance sheet. If the company actively pays down its debt or if its market capitalization rises enough to push the debt ratio below 33%, it could become a viable halal investment in the future. HCA Healthcare, Inc. operates in the Healthcare sector under the Medical - Care Facilities industry and is headquartered in Nashville, TN, US. The company is led by CEO Samuel N. Hazen and employs approximately 320,000 people.

HCA was screened using AAOIFI-based shariah compliance criteria. Four tests are applied: (1) Business Activity — the company's core business must not derive primary income from haram (prohibited) activities such as alcohol, gambling, tobacco, or interest-based finance. (2) Debt-to-Market-Cap — total debt must not exceed 33% of market capitalization. (3) Interest Income — interest income must not exceed 5% of total revenue. (4) Cash & Securities — cash and interest-bearing securities must not exceed 33% of market cap. HCA passed 3 of these 4 screens.

HCA was last screened on 2026-04-29. Shariah compliance status can change as companies report new financial data, acquire new businesses, or shift revenue streams. We recommend checking back periodically for the most up-to-date screening results.