Is downloading digital materials, such as programs and movies, for free from the internet, while knowing the financial harm it causes their producers, considered theft?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is not permissible to copy or download useful programs without the permission of their owners, because it is an infringement on the protected rights of others under Islamic law. As for films and TV series that contain forbidden elements, they have no sanctity, and the permission of their producers is irrelevant. It is not permissible to watch them, and a Muslim must change this evil if he is able.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/100019
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 100019
- 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