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Fatwa CenterPirated Content and the Method of Compensating
Question
1. If someone pirated something permissible like computer program or book in the past, how to repent from it? Is it enough to just buy those things in a legal way? since I can't really contact the person who made it and apologize to them.2. If someone pirated impermissible games, movies, and comic etc. Buying those things in a legal way is still haram. So, how to repent from it?I said "Rabbighfirli" during sujud at-tilawah in a prayer accidentally, is my prayer still valid?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
We have clarified in several of our Fatwas that it is not permissible to use pirated software or similar materials, as doing so involves infringing upon the protected and legitimate rights of their owners. This is also the view that has been adopted by the Islamic Jurisprudential Academies.
However, some scholars have held that if such software is copied for personal use only, there is no harm in doing so, Allah willing. For more benefit, please refer to Fatwa 132937.
According to the opinion that prohibits such use, which is the one we adopt here in Islamweb, the person who uses pirated software or electronic books is required to compensate their rightful owners for the benefits they have lost due to his infringement. This compensation should be estimated by experts and specialists in the field.
Therefore, to rectify the situation, it is not necessary to purchase original versions of the software or books. Rather, what is required is to compensate for the unauthorized benefits you obtained, as determined by qualified experts in the field. This should be paid to the rightful owner if possible; otherwise, it may be given as charity on their behalf.
Lastly, if someone follows the opinion that permits personal use of pirated materials and believes there is no liability, it is hoped they will not incur any blame.
Allah knows best.
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