I have two questions: 1) Are counterfeit products permissible for purchase like branded products? (2) What are the signs to know if your sins are forgiven by Allaah?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

It might be difficult for some people in the society to buy trade marks with international brands as they are expensive and beyond the financial abilities of many people, to the extent that only the rich could buy them. So, some companies produced some goods which are similar [to the original one] in its shape but did not use exactly the same products as those used in the original products. However, one should first make sure that the company which produces the original product did not preserve the right of invention- if the product takes a trait that is peculiar to the product of the company- nonetheless, if the shape of the product is not similar to that of the company and that its right is a general right, then there is no need to be restricted by the above restriction.

Finally, it should be noted that it is not permissible to cheat or deceive in buying and selling, as it is not permissible for anyone to cheat anyone with these goods in fulfilling the rights of others.

With regard to the sign of the acceptance of repentance, then please refer to Fatwa 82117.

Allaah Knows best.