Is it permissible to purchase software copied from original versions, especially for those who cannot afford the price of the original versions, or for software for which original versions are unavailable?
That which is forbidden to copy is also forbidden to purchase, because purchasing it constitutes cooperation with the copier in a prohibited act. However, some scholars have permitted the purchase of items that have been widely copied and circulated among people, when it is highly probable that the producing company has already sold enough copies to cover project costs and secure a reasonable profit. This purchase should be limited to what is truly needed for beneficial academic matters. Nevertheless, for a Muslim, the most pious and cautious approach for their faith is to abandon all such dealings due to their dubiousness, in compliance with the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) command: "Leave what makes you doubt for what does not make you doubt."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 31968
- 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