Is UNH (UnitedHealth Group Incorporated) Halal or Haram?

Based on our AAOIFI-standard shariah screening, UNH is Halal and considered permissible for Muslim investors. It passed all 4 of 4 compliance screens including business activity review, debt-to-market-cap ratio (30.65% vs ≤33% threshold), interest income ratio (0.00% vs ≤5% threshold), and cash & securities ratio (11.00% vs ≤33% threshold).

United Health Group is a healthcare giant operating through two distinct platforms: UnitedHealthcare and Optum. UnitedHealthcare provides health insurance benefits to millions of Americans, while Optum delivers technology-enabled health services, pharmacy care services (Optum Rx), and data analytics. As the largest healthcare company in the world by revenue, it plays a critical infrastructure role in how medical care is funded and delivered in the United States. For Muslim investors, UnitedHealth Group is currently considered Halal based on AAOIFI standards, passing all four financial screens. The company's primary business of facilitating healthcare access and managing medical costs is fully permissible under Shariah law. This 'Halal' status means you can confidently include UNH in your portfolio without the need for purification, as its non-compliant income is virtually non-existent. Financially, the company operates with a Debt-to-Market Cap ratio of 30.7%, which is close to the 3 3% threshold but currently passing. This high leverage is typical for insurance-heavy models but requires monitoring. On the positive side, the company generates almost zero interest income relative to its massive revenue stream, showcasing a clean operational model that relies on premiums and service fees rather than interest-bearing investments. Investors should keep a close watch on the debt levels in future quarters. Because the debt ratio is near the 33% limit, a significant drop in stock price or increase in borrowing could push this metric into non-compliant territory. However, as it stands today, UNH offers a robust, compliant entry into the defensive healthcare sector. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates in the Healthcare sector under the Medical - Healthcare Plans industry and is headquartered in Eden Prairie, MN, US. The company is led by CEO Stephen J. Hemsley and employs approximately 400,000 people.

UNH 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. UNH passed 4 of these 4 screens.

UNH has negligible interest income, so purification may not be necessary. However, it is always advisable to consult a qualified scholar regarding your specific investment situation.

UNH was last screened on 2026-02-24. 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.