What is the ruling on using free software activation codes available on the Internet, which are likely stolen or pirated, whether these programs are for studying or otherwise? And is one sinful for giving these codes to his colleagues or teachers?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
As long as it is highly probable that the software activation code is pirated, it is not permissible to use it. This is based on the resolution of the Fiqh Academy that copyrights and intellectual property rights are protected by and may not be infringed upon. This is the ruling given in fatwas, even though some scholars permit its use for personal benefit only. According to the view of prohibition, it is not permissible to assist others in using it, based on the words of Allah Almighty: "And do not cooperate in sin and aggression."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/141738
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 141738
- 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