Is it permissible to install an original Windows copy on a personal computer for personal use only, knowing that the serial number was obtained from the computer technician at a governmental workplace?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is permissible to download an original copy of a program onto your personal device if authorized by a qualified computer technician or by the person who has the authority to grant permission at your workplace. It is not permissible to download without permission, as this constitutes an infringement upon people's property. As for downloading a non-original copy, it is permissible for personal need and inability to purchase the original, provided that it is not used as a means of earning or trading.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/145657
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 145657
- 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