Is it permissible to advertise a website that offers programs with stripped source code, and is it permissible for such programs to be present on the forum?
It is not permissible to upload pirated software to forums or to advertise websites that contain it without the permission of its owners, because this constitutes aiding in what is impermissible. A group of scholars have prohibited copying computer programs without the permission of their owners, regardless of whether the owner of the programs is a Muslim or a non-belligerent disbeliever, because the property of a non-belligerent disbeliever is as sacred as the property of a Muslim. However, some scholars have permitted copying it for personal use only when needed, and when the original is unavailable or one is unable to purchase it, provided that it is not used as a means of earning money or for trade, and that it is limited to the extent of the need. Some have permitted purchasing and trading pirated copies if it is highly probable that the company has already profited from it. The more cautious approach is not to use pirated software or to assist in its use.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 92023
- 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