What is the ruling on using, selling, or gifting programs, books, or electronic documents created using non-original software, and what is the ruling on working in an environment where non-original software and operating systems are used, and is the salary earned from that permissible (halal)?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Contemporary scholars differ regarding the ruling on copying computer programs without the owner's permission. The preponderant opinion is that it is impermissible to copy and use them, whether their owners are Muslims or non-combatant non-Muslims. This includes their use by individuals or companies. It is not permissible for an employee to use copied software in his company, nor is it permissible to train others on it. As for programs or e-books that were prepared using copied software, there is no harm in benefiting from them if the one who prepared them repents from using the copied software.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/100383
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 100383
- 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