Religiosity and family takaful planning among e-hailing drivers: the mediating effect of risk perception

Purpose This study aims to examine the direct and indirect effects of religiosity on family takaful planning in the presence of risk perception as a mediator among e-hailing drivers. Design/methodology/approach This study used regression analysis with a mediating effect. Family takaful planning serves as the endogenous variable, religiosity as the exogenous variable and risk perception as the mediator. Findings This study found that religiosity positively influences family takaful planning both directly and indirectly through risk perception. Higher levels of faith increase individuals’ willingness to secure takaful coverage, while heightened risk awareness – partially mediated by religiosity – further strengthens this relationship. Research limitations/implications This study underscores the need for policy and industry initiatives that integrate religious values with risk management strategies by leveraging risk perception insights such as designing Shariah-compliant awareness campaigns, tailoring takaful packages to perceived occupational risks and offering flexible contribution schemes to boost family takaful participation among high-risk occupational groups like e-hailing drivers. Originality/value This study pioneers the integration of the Islamic theory of consumer behaviour (ITCB) and protection motivation theory (PMT) to explain the direct and indirect relationships between religiosity and family takaful planning, with risk perception as a partial mediator. Unlike prior studies, this study situates the construct within the underexplored realm of personal financial risk management in the gig economy, focusing on e-hailing drivers in Malaysia. By targeting a high-risk occupational group that has been largely overlooked in Islamic financial planning studies, the research not only expands the theoretical applicability of ITCB and PMT but also offers fresh empirical insights into the behavioural determinants of takaful planning.