Is it permissible to purchase English dubbed versions of animated series (anime) that have intellectual property rights, instead of the original Japanese versions, in order to avoid watching them for free online, knowing that a portion of the purchase value will go to an American company? And is this considered restoring rights to their owners? And what should be done if it is impossible to purchase the Japanese version? And how can one absolve themselves from watching an old cartoon series dubbed in Arabic that is currently unavailable in the market? And is it necessary to purchase all songs that have been listened to or downloaded for free online, given that they have intellectual property rights?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Whoever uses permissible materials that have been copied without permission is obligated to seek absolution from the rights holders by asking for their forgiveness or reaching a settlement with them. The assessment of damages and compensation is to be determined by experts. If the rights holders cannot be reached, one should give charity on their behalf in an amount that clears their conscience. As for prohibited materials, such as forbidden songs, it is not legislated to compensate their owners, because their benefit is religiously forbidden and has no value.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/151878
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 151878
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy