What is the ruling on working for a company that uses unlicensed software, and what is the ruling on the salary paid for this work, and what is the ruling on the money saved from it? And what is the ruling on using pirated software for learning and personal benefit? And what is the ruling on selling computers that contain unlicensed operating systems while informing the customer of that?
Copying protected software is not permissible because it harms others and constitutes an encroachment on people's property without right. This is based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "There should be neither harm nor reciprocation of harm," and "The property of a Muslim person is not lawful without his willing consent." However, it is permissible to copy such software for personal use only if the original version is unavailable or difficult to purchase, provided that this is not taken as a means of earning income.
If a person is compelled to work in the field of copying protected software due to the absence of any other work that can meet his needs and the needs of his dependents, then it is permissible for him to do so, while exercising caution to avoid direct engagement in forbidden acts as much as possible. The money earned in this case must have the forbidden portion disposed of, in proportion to the forbidden work, unless he needs a part of it to meet a necessity, in which case he may take the amount needed. As for what was spent in the past, there is no sin in it. What remains saved should be dealt with according to the detailed explanation mentioned.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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