What is the ruling on reading books downloaded in PDF format from the internet, or books printed from the original edition that are sold at a price cheaper than their original price, knowing that some of these books are not permitted to be circulated electronically or reprinted, and that others are not religious, and that other means of obtaining these books are not available?

The author has the right to usufruct over his book, which is an intangible right protected by Sharia. He is permitted to specify what he authorizes and what he does not authorize regarding its use. Therefore, it is impermissible to infringe upon the author's rights. Scholars of the past differed on the ruling concerning looking into books of knowledge without the owners' permission. Some permitted it because knowledge should not be withheld, while others forbade it based on the hadith: "Whoever looks into his brother's book without his permission is only looking into the fire." However, this hadith is weak. Some scholars have permitted personal use of books, provided that it is not a means for commercial gain.