Is it permissible for students to listen to recordings of private lessons explaining a doctor's lectures, which some students recorded and published without the doctor's permission, knowing that he refused it, regardless of whether they are financially able to afford the lessons or not, and is there a sin upon those who have already listened to them?

Scholars differ on the permissibility of copying books and lectures whose owners prohibit their reproduction:

1. First opinion (the fatwa adopted on this website): It is not permissible Islamically. Copyrights belong to their owners, and it is not permissible to infringe upon them. One who copies them, knowing the ruling, commits a sin. 2. Second opinion: Copying is permissible for private benefit for one who is in need. 3. Third opinion: Copying is permissible absolutely, in order not to conceal knowledge and restrict its dissemination.