Is it permissible to buy a copied disc of a program or game that is not available in an original version, or is that considered theft?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Some scholars permit purchasing widely copied and circulated software if it is highly probable that the producing company has covered its costs and made a reasonable profit, provided that the purchase is for beneficial scientific need. However, it is more scrupulous to avoid it due to doubt. If the software is only available in non-original versions and you need it after an unsuccessful search for the original, then it appears there is no harm in purchasing it. However, it is not permissible to proceed with taking an oath.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/32950
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 32950
- 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