What is the ruling on copying computer programs for free and distributing or downloading them from the Internet? What is the ruling on a vendor who copies original programs and sells them for less than their original price? And what is the ruling on one who works for him?
It is not permissible to copy programs whose owners stipulate their reserved rights, except with their permission. Copying them is considered an infringement upon their rights and efforts. Whoever buys a copy for personal use is not allowed to copy and sell it, unless there is no text preventing that. Some scholars have considered it permissible to copy for personal need only, provided that it is not a means of earning money. However, the more authoritative view is that copying is not permissible except with the permission of its owners, and even if the prices of programs are expensive, that does not permit infringement upon them.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 106083
- 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