What is the ruling on the policy of computer software companies that impose different conditions on users based on their varying categories and types of use (personal/commercial, individual/organizational, educational/general), specify the number of devices, prohibit the disposal of the software after purchase, and restrict its use to a particular country, and is the buyer or user obligated to accept and abide by these conditions?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The basic principle regarding conditions is that they are valid and binding, unless there is evidence to the contrary. So, if a person buys a program, they are permitted to use it on their device and other devices, and to sell it to whomever they wish, and in any country they wish. What is prohibited is copying it and selling it to others. As for free or temporary programs, one must adhere to the period specified by the company for using the program.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/96606
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 96606
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- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy