What is the ruling on knowledge gained from non-original computer programs, according to those who deem their use forbidden? Is it knowledge that is not beneficial or deprived of blessing, or is it impermissible to share it with others?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The relied-upon is that software copyrights must be respected, so it is not permissible to use pirated software. However, there is no harm in benefiting from the knowledge gained through such software and in benefiting others with it, while ensuring the rights of the software owners are protected. Generally, religious transgressions are a cause for the removal of blessings. Therefore, it is not improbable that software piracy is among the reasons for the lack of blessings in the knowledge gained from it, even if this is not necessarily a definitive conclusion.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/155193
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 155193
- 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