Is maintaining a computer that contains forbidden materials (such as songs or movies) considered ill-gotten gain? And is it obligatory to delete these materials or refuse to work on the device unless it is empty?
There is no need to investigate the contents of a computer hard drive before repairing it. Computer repair can fall into several categories:
1. If you are certain it is used exclusively for (forbidden) matters, such as songs and indecent films, then repairing it is not permissible. Its earnings are ill-gotten and must be disposed of by spending them on the welfare of Muslims. It is recommended to delete the forbidden materials if possible. 2. If it is used only for (permissible) matters, then repairing it is permissible. 3. If there is a possibility that it is used for both permissible and forbidden matters, and its status is unknown, then it is an act of piety to refrain from repairing it.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 82646
- 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