Is it permissible to use pirated software and electronic books for the sole purpose of learning and studying, with the intention of purchasing the original copies as soon as financial means become available, and is it permissible to browse a portion of a book to determine its benefit before purchasing?
It is not permissible to copy programs whose owners stipulate the preservation of their rights, except with their permission, because these are owned rights for which money and effort have been expended. If there is no text preventing download and use, then there is no objection, and the prevailing custom should be followed. The preponderant opinion according to us is that it is not permissible to copy copyrighted discs except with the permission of their owners, even for personal use, although this is less severe than copying for profit. As for browsing books offered for sale online with the intention of buying, there is no harm in that.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 100868
- Added here
- . 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