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The question

What is the ruling on downloading pictures and designs available for free on the internet and forums, knowing that their original owners sell them, and that they may be stolen or obtained through illicit means? And does this fall under the interpretation of the noble verse: "And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another"?

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Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

Intellectual and moral rights for images, designs, software, and books are guaranteed to their owners. It is impermissible to use these materials for commercial purposes or to republish them if it is known that their owners have not authorized their free copying, because this is considered an aggression, consuming wealth unjustly, and complicity with the thief. However, personal, non-profit use without publishing is permissible. The noble verse: (And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another) means that no one bears the burden of another, but whoever aids in a sin, or follows it, or harms others, is considered to have committed a sin. It is impermissible to buy or publish stolen goods, as this constitutes aiding the thief and harming the rightful owner. However, if materials are found on the internet and it is not known that their owners prohibit their copying, then there is no harm in utilizing them, as the default is that they are placed there for publication and benefit.

Summary from Ftawy's records · added here

Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.

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Where this answer came from
Source platform
Ftawy
Original fatwa ID
17793
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.
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Read the full answer on Ftawy