What is the ruling on copying old software programs that are no longer available in the market, and what is the ruling on using a computer that contains programs of unknown origin or that were downloaded by the device seller?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is not permissible to copy programs if the manufacturer stipulates that the copyrights are reserved, except with their permission, whether specific or general. These programs are the private property of their owners and have significant financial value, which is recognized by Islamic law, so it is not permissible to infringe upon them. As for what computer sales companies do by loading programs whose manufacturer is unknown, it is permissible to benefit from them; otherwise, it is not.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/45107
Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 45107
- 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