What is the ruling on benefiting from cracked software programs in a country where original versions are not available for purchase, such as Iran?

The fatwa (definition) adopted by us is that intellectual property rights, such as innovation rights, are owned by their creators. Therefore, it is absolutely impermissible to use pirated software. A group of scholars, however, has held that it is permissible to copy software for personal use only, for those who are in need of it, similar to Ibn 'Uthaymin's view allowing copying for oneself only, not for commercial purposes. It is permissible to adopt this view out of necessity, and there will be no harm upon you in doing so, Allah willing. The blameworthy aspect of following dispensations is when it becomes a person's habitual practice.