What is the ruling on profiting from projects designed with pirated software, provided the software itself is not sold?
If using pirated software is permissible, then there is no issue with the permissibility of what results from it. However, if using pirated software is forbidden, then the one who profits from it is in the same position as an usurper (ghasib). Jurists have differed regarding the profit generated from usurped property, and the preponderant opinion is that it should be divided between the usurper and the owner of the software. The usurper takes a fair share for his work (a share equivalent to his effort), and the remainder is returned to the software owner. If it is impossible to reach the owner of the software, the usurper should donate the owner's share on his behalf, after its value has been estimated by experts.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 17864
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy