Is the use of pirated computer programs sold at low prices considered theft?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Using pirated software infringes upon the rights of its owners, as it possesses significant financial value and special rights that are recognized by Islamic law. Therefore, it is not permissible to pirate protected software whose owners have not authorized its copying, nor is it permissible to deal with those who commit such acts by purchasing those copies from them. This is because the one who takes from an aggressor becomes like them if they are aware of their aggression against the rights of others. However, this aggression is not considered theft in the technical sense.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/131338
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 131338
- 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