is it permissible to use pirated software?

5 Jun 2003 · 5 Rabiʻ II 1424 AH1 min readFatwa 8801English

Question

a) 95% of the (computer) software in Pakistan is 'pirated', is it permissible to use 'cracked' (engineer the program to make it usable without PAYING for it). for example an orignal Windows Installation CD costs about 100$ (6,000 Pak Rupees approx.) and a pirated cd would cost only 25 Pak rupees (not even 0.5$) b) does is make any difference if the software company belongs to a Hurbi Kaafir (e.g. Israel) c) If someone uses a 'cracked' (stolen) software downloaded from the internet to record audio cds and then selling them. will the income form these cds HALAAL? d) what does Islam say about 'copyright'? (specially in DEENI BOOKS,CDs)

Answer

The practise of pirating registered software and copyrights is not permissible.

The sale of such software is not permissible. The proceeds of such sales will also not be permissible.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Answered by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai

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Source: Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah — https://askimam.org/public/question_detail/8801
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