Is it permissible to help someone use pirated computer software, and is it obligatory for someone who downloaded pirated software for others, knowing the fatwa, to purchase it as expiation for their sin?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is permissible to copy computer programs if their owners grant permission, and impermissible if they do not, based on the Almighty’s saying: "And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression." Whoever downloads what is impermissible for him to download must delete it and repent to Allah. He is not obligated to purchase the original program unless he wishes to benefit from it.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/49349
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 49349
- 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