Is it permissible to read books displayed for sale in exhibitions and bookstores with the intention of merely reading them without purchasing them, and if not, what are the limits of such reading?
Scholars have differed regarding the permissibility of browsing scientific books without the owner's permission. Some held that it is permissible because knowledge should not be concealed, while others maintained that it is not permissible due to the general implications of hadiths and because the owner has a stronger claim to his property. The more cautious approach for a Muslim is not to look into someone else's book except with their permission, in order to avoid disagreement. As for library books, it is not permissible to browse them for someone who does not intend to buy them, except with the permission of their owners.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 99707
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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