What is the ruling on purchasing or downloading activated programs – which have not been bought from the original company – for personal use only, provided they are not sold, traded, or loaned?

The ruling on downloading or purchasing software from sources other than its original owners depends on the consideration of intellectual property rights and copyrights. The fatwa (religious edict) is that these rights are to be absolutely respected. Therefore, it is impermissible to download or purchase software from anyone other than its producers. Some scholars have permitted this for personal use when there is a need, but the more cautious approach is to refrain from it.