Illegal Pirated Torrent Software

[Abraram]

Salam,

 

I'm a designer and currently pursuing my diploma in Graphic designing. We're using pirated cracked softwares Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Though, I have already made more than $250 from those pirated software and now as I'm currently pursuing professional diploma, after this, I would be serious in making money and I actually realized that in past, I had make money from pirated softwares and now I shouldn't be doing this.

 

I don't know if I'm allowed by Ayatollah Sistani r.a to make money out of pirated software.

 

Note: Actually we all are using pirated softwares in our pc's, laptops, though we do not realize for example: downloading torrent movies, tv shows, e books (islamic too), copying content and making photocopies (against copyright laws) etc.

 

But is making money out of those torrent is Jaiz or not? This is very crucial to me? You know, I cannot afford the software. It's very expensive :(

 

Note 2: Do you have legal Ps and Ai? Could you gimme for free because I also use those software for designing shia related graphics too!

[Abraram]

Just delete this Admin. I got my answer! Its jaiz due to some particular reasons. Anyone who sees this thread must see:

 

1. Logical explanation: First of all, the torrent is not a curse and you should be knowing that once bought anything belongs to the buyer and if a buyer puts the software on a website called torrent then you are absolutely allowed but the main problem arises when the software is cracked.

 

2. Fiqh (The supreme):

 

Ayatollah Sistani's website (sistani.org):

 

Question: Can I use cracked CD software?

Answer: If someone else has cracked the software, you can use it but you are not allowed to copy or burn it into another compact disc.

[terra]

First of all, software does not necessarily belong to the buyer. Someone who buys software owns a license to use that software, and such a license has limitations (typically it can only be used by a single person unless specific arrangements have been made with the developer). Second, when you use a torrent, you simultaneously receive and redistribute the software. That is analogous to copying/burning the pirated software. 

 

And honestly, I think Sistani has to revisit this issue. Software developers work very hard to create their products, and by pirating the software, you are depriving them of income that they earned. It's one thing if a kid downloads it to mess around with. But you are profiting with the use of stolen software. That's not okay. 

[rajul]

Take a look into GIMP (http://www.gimp.org/). It does the same things Photoshop does, but its free.

[rajul]

I also think that the high ranking maraji` should begin to comment on patents (I'm a member of the Free Software Foundation, so my proclivities are obvious here) and intellectual property rights with respect to software.

[King]

It is probably islamically not allowed due to contractual obligations, but hey, I will download away anyway.

[baradar_jackson]

You maybe should research the software company beforehand. It might be better to pirate their software than to give them your money.

 

These companies exaggerate these things. They are plenty profitable. Piracy has not hurt their business in any way. Most of their patrons are business anyway, not individual consumers. They just go on these crazy anti-piracy propaganda campaigns out of greed.

 

 

But if it really bothers you, try to look for open source alternatives. Someone mentioned GIMP, that's a good one. If you want an alternative for Microsoft Word, try Open Office Word. etc...

[repenter-gone4awhile]

This is my verdic: If companies tag along with boycotting shias, thenn i will tag along and torrent stuff. Some companies however are fair, both with pricing and they dont boycot. Such as ESET, i actually pay for a license there because they deserve it. But the norm atm is: I ain't paying!

[alifaizankazmi]

(salam)

 

This is my verdic: If companies tag along with boycotting shias, thenn i will tag along and torrent stuff. Some companies however are fair, both with pricing and they dont boycot. Such as ESET, i actually pay for a license there because they deserve it. But the norm atm is: I ain't paying!

 

To be honest, I'm still unsure if torrenting is the right course of action in any scenario. If one says that a certain piece of software is priced unfairly, isn't that an implicit affirmation that software should have a price, albeit a fair one? If that is so, then is it justified for one to get the piece of software for free?

 

Also, is it wrong to think of software just as we think about any other product? For instance, if one comes to know that a company which manufactures furniture is involved in boycotting Shi'as, would that be grounds for taking a piece of furniture from the company's store without paying for it?

[coldcow]

This is my verdic: If companies tag along with boycotting shias, thenn i will tag along and torrent stuff. Some companies however are fair, both with pricing and they dont boycot. Such as ESET, i actually pay for a license there because they deserve it. But the norm atm is: I ain't paying!

Sorry, I believe you're completely wrong.

 

Like alifaizankazmi said: "For instance, if one comes to know that a company which manufactures furniture is involved in boycotting Shi'as, would that be grounds for taking a piece of furniture from the company's store without paying for it?"

 

Stealing is stealing.  Two wrongs don't make a right.  You are still taking something that is not yours without paying for it.  Likewise, with software, regardless of the pricing, regardless of what activities the company is involved in, you are taking something from them without paying, or you are distributing their product for free when you have no authority to do so.  You can justify it however you like (like they are boycotting shias), but that doesn't make it the right thing to do.  If they're boycotting shias, just boycott them, don't steal from them.

 

I think Sistani's website is wrong on this matter.  If someone who steals cars offered you one, would it be the right thing to do to take it and continue using it?  What if a bank robber offered you money from his latest heist?  Even if you planned on using that money for charity, would the deed carried out with dirty money be accepted by Allah?

 

To the OP: Making money off of stolen goods is not the issue.  The fact that you are using stolen goods, and encouraging stealing, in the first place is, regardless of who stole it.  If you are pursuing a degree in graphic design, think of purchasing the software as an investment in your education, and maybe even as a "thank you" to a company and its employees for producing a product that will allow you to make a living.

[zaidali]

Salaams.

 

I work in the Gaming Industry and this is my humble opinion- A lot of software companies(adobe especially) have high prices on their products. On the other hand you have companies like Autodesk doing a fairly decent job of allowing students to use their software's for free. Then we also have a whole bunch of third party free based softwares like Blender, Gimp, etc which do a fairly decent job.

This leads to it being mostly about marketing and trying to create a monopoly(at least back in the day) which in turn leads to their products being priced at steep prices making it difficult for individuals who are learning or stepping into the industry. 

 

Same goes with the Games which used to be priced incredible expensive back in the day and have become cheaper as the completion increases.

 

I guess its not a moral issues as much as it is a marketing issue. We making a game in the studio that I am currently working and we have strategically priced the game so that it can fit the wallet of teens and young adults.

 

As much as companies need to get paid for their hardwork, they also need to price their products sensible!

[guest050817]

A question for everyone. I have bought and will buy all of Muhammed Sarwars translations of Al Kafi, as no reliable ones currently exist in their entirity, and there is a great need to understand the teachings of the ahlulbayt a.s as other resources are quite scarce in this regard and not complete.

 

I feel slightly worried because i have never stolen a book or 'cracked' one, but i have bought a book, and having it in hard copy, quoted certain hadiths online, not for my own gain or profit, but purely to further the cause of Allah swt, as i did not find the hadith available else-where online in this form.

 

Have i commited a sin, and if so, how can anyone have such a monopoly on the teachings of the ahlulbayt a.s, so much so that i can't even quote a hadith on a bought book?

[repenter-gone4awhile]

Sorry, I believe you're completely wrong.

 

Like alifaizankazmi said: "For instance, if one comes to know that a company which manufactures furniture is involved in boycotting Shi'as, would that be grounds for taking a piece of furniture from the company's store without paying for it?"

 

Stealing is stealing.  Two wrongs don't make a right.  You are still taking something that is not yours without paying for it.  Likewise, with software, regardless of the pricing, regardless of what activities the company is involved in, you are taking something from them without paying, or you are distributing their product for free when you have no authority to do so.  You can justify it however you like (like they are boycotting shias), but that doesn't make it the right thing to do.  If they're boycotting shias, just boycott them, don't steal from them.

I think Sistani's website is wrong on this matter.  If someone who steals cars offered you one, would it be the right thing to do to take it and continue using it?  What if a bank robber offered you money from his latest heist?  Even if you planned on using that money for charity, would the deed carried out with dirty money be accepted by Allah?

 

To the OP: Making money off of stolen goods is not the issue.  The fact that you are using stolen goods, and encouraging stealing, in the first place is, regardless of who stole it.  If you are pursuing a degree in graphic design, think of purchasing the software as an investment in your education, and maybe even as a "thank you" to a company and its employees for producing a product that will allow you to make a living.

First of all i didn't say anything about distributing or commercial use.

Secondly, todays world revolve around computers, you are basically helpless without it. Banking, economy, trade, etce etc will all collapse if you don't use software. Now if a company boycotts shias from using their software, and i also want use that software, if i pay for it i am supporting an oppressor, if i don't pay for it and not use it my daily tasks won't be possible.

Furniture was a silly example. Pretend all car companies boycott shias. And you needed a car to get by. What would you do? It's a tricky question. I don't agree with paying for software that you really need to get by if the company oppresses shias. Software that are for fun or there are alternativea of equal qualitiy then yes, i agree with you to just boycott it or not use it.

[rajul]

A question for everyone. I have bought and will buy all of Muhammed Sarwars translations of Al Kafi, as no reliable ones currently exist in their entirity, and there is a great need to understand the teachings of the ahlulbayt a.s as other resources are quite scarce in this regard and not complete.

 

I feel slightly worried because i have never stolen a book or 'cracked' one, but i have bought a book, and having it in hard copy, quoted certain hadiths online, not for my own gain or profit, but purely to further the cause of Allah swt, as i did not find the hadith available else-where online in this form.

 

Have i commited a sin, and if so, how can anyone have such a monopoly on the teachings of the ahlulbayt a.s, so much so that i can't even quote a hadith on a bought book?

Say it is pre-modern times and I buy a manuscript. I then transcribed it and gave a copy to someone.  Is this sinful according to sharia? Moreover, if the literature is explaining and advancing the deen of Allah (swt), is that a sin?

 

I know Shia fiqh doesn't really look to kindly on qiyas but, to me, this is why software patents and intellectual property in this regard should be examined from a scholarly perspective.

[coldcow]

A question for everyone. I have bought and will buy all of Muhammed Sarwars translations of Al Kafi, as no reliable ones currently exist in their entirity, and there is a great need to understand the teachings of the ahlulbayt a.s as other resources are quite scarce in this regard and not complete.

 

I feel slightly worried because i have never stolen a book or 'cracked' one, but i have bought a book, and having it in hard copy, quoted certain hadiths online, not for my own gain or profit, but purely to further the cause of Allah swt, as i did not find the hadith available else-where online in this form.

 

Have i commited a sin, and if so, how can anyone have such a monopoly on the teachings of the ahlulbayt a.s, so much so that i can't even quote a hadith on a bought book?

There's something called "fair use" in the legal world in the US.  Quoting bits and pieces would probably fall under that, and would be ok.  Quoting entire chapters, or putting the entire book online would not.  When you are buying the book, you aren't buying the hadiths, you are buying the translation of those hadiths.  That took someone time to translate and organize into an easily readable book that people would buy.  When you don't reward them for their hard work by refusing to pay for it, they stop making such things, and there is less incentive for others to make similar products.

 

First of all i didn't say anything about distributing or commercial use.

Secondly, todays world revolve around computers, you are basically helpless without it. Banking, economy, trade, etce etc will all collapse if you don't use software. Now if a company boycotts shias from using their software, and i also want use that software, if i pay for it i am supporting an oppressor, if i don't pay for it and not use it my daily tasks won't be possible.

Furniture was a silly example. Pretend all car companies boycott shias. And you needed a car to get by. What would you do? It's a tricky question. I don't agree with paying for software that you really need to get by if the company oppresses shias. Software that are for fun or there are alternativea of equal qualitiy then yes, i agree with you to just boycott it or not use it.

I don't follow in your car example. Are you saying you would you steal some else's car because you need a car?  If a car is an absolute must, and all the car companies in the world don't want to make money for some reason and have decided they don't want to sell to shias, then do you think it's ok to start stealing cars?

 

First off, I personally haven't heard of any boycotts by large companies that produce software (or cars for that matter) against shias.  Secondly, even if they were boycotting shias, there would be another company that'll see a business opportunity and will step in to make money by selling a similar product.  It might not be as good, or it might be more expensive, but it'll be similar.  If another company doesn't step in, some shia person could innovate and start their own company.  But of course that would require an education, initiative, and drive, and could help set up the shia community for future success by competing with those that were boycotting them in the first place.  But why do that when you can just steal?

[David66]

Hello,

 

Salaams.

 

As much as companies need to get paid for their hardwork, they also need to price their products sensible!

 

What gives you the right to judge what is sensible?  It is not logical.  If I think a product is too high priced, such as a car or a bunch of bananas, can I steal it?  If you think it too high  don't buy it. 

 

Actually, the "it is okay to steal intellectual property via computer" harms the little guy much more than the big companies.  The big companies will make money on their programs in countries who's laws protect intellectual property.  And, the theft of these programs in other countries destroys the incentive for smaller players to create "sensible" priced alternatives.   Their high priced model combined with a lack of morals on the internet actually perpetuates the lack of alternatives and the dominance of the Western "big guy."

 

All the Best,

David

[King]

Hello,

 

 

What gives you the right to judge what is sensible?  It is not logical.  If I think a product is too high priced, such as a car or a bunch of bananas, can I steal it?  If you think it too high  don't buy it. 

 

Actually, the "it is okay to steal intellectual property via computer" harms the little guy much more than the big companies.  The big companies will make money on their programs in countries who's laws protect intellectual property.  And, the theft of these programs in other countries destroys the incentive for smaller players to create "sensible" priced alternatives.   Their high priced model combined with a lack of morals on the internet actually perpetuates the lack of alternatives and the dominance of the Western "big guy."

 

All the Best,

David

 

There is a lot more to it, if it wasn't for 'weaker' nations pirating and stealing technologies, it would in a lot of cases be more difficult for them to technologically develop due to the extremely unfair playing field.  Stealing helped countries like South Korea develop into a technological leader, and Korean economists refer to this all the time.  It would be wise if we don't dwell on intellectual property rights as they are an utter joke as they are implemented in the first place, they inhibit innovation and help establish monopolies.

 

As for the topic, these sort of activities would technically probably qualify as stealing and hence be illegal in islam.  This was never a deterrent for me personally,  I don't hesitate when it comes to downloading something like MS Office but I have bought a lot of software from smaller developers and even donated to open source projects.

[David66]

^ Hello,

 

 

There is a lot more to it, if it wasn't for 'weaker' nations pirating and stealing technologies, it would in a lot of cases be more difficult for them to technologically develop due to the extremely unfair playing field.  Stealing helped countries like South Korea develop into a technological leader, and Korean economists refer to this all the time.  It would be wise if we don't dwell on intellectual property rights as they are an utter joke as they are implemented in the first place, they inhibit innovation and help establish monopolies.

 

 

You are wrong.  The exact opposite is true.  Lack of protection of intellectual property subverts innovation.  What is the incentive for inventing a better mouse trap if the inventer will not realize some reward?  

 

It is the same reason socialism will never work and has never worked.  Why work harder, think more, create new things when, in the end you get no reward.  You are paid the same as the slackard.  There is no incentive to create.  The same is true in societies that tolerate theft of intellectual property.  They kill the incentive to create.  However, they do create very innovative thief.

 

All the Best,

David

 

All the Best,

David

[terra]

 

First of all i didn't say anything about distributing or commercial use.
Secondly, todays world revolve around computers, you are basically helpless without it. Banking, economy, trade, etce etc will all collapse if you don't use software. Now if a company boycotts shias from using their software, and i also want use that software, if i pay for it i am supporting an oppressor, if i don't pay for it and not use it my daily tasks won't be possible.

Furniture was a silly example. Pretend all car companies boycott shias. And you needed a car to get by. What would you do? It's a tricky question. I don't agree with paying for software that you really need to get by if the company oppresses shias. Software that are for fun or there are alternativea of equal qualitiy then yes, i agree with you to just boycott it or not use it.

 

If you really want to go there -- both AMD and Intel have R&D facilities in Israel. So virtually every computer sold will have a portion of the profits go to them in some way or another. According to Sistani, it is haram to purchase products from companies with an Israeli presence. Are you going to go just steal computers from now on? 

[baradar_jackson]

As for the topic, these sort of activities would technically probably qualify as stealing and hence be illegal in islam.

 

 

Dude we get it. You're a kewl kid who doesn't care about Islamic rules. There is no need to keep insisting upon it.

 

As if there is a shortage of people who don't care about religious laws...

 

 

 

 

 

 

FYI it's not haraam anyway.

[repenter-gone4awhile]

If you really want to go there -- both AMD and Intel have R&D facilities in Israel. So virtually every computer sold will have a portion of the profits go to them in some way or another. According to Sistani, it is haram to purchase products from companies with an Israeli presence. Are you going to go just steal computers from now on?

First of all my marja isn't Sistani.

Secondly, since you obviously missed my point and can't put two and two together, yes i steal computers.

Thirdly, i'm sure Sistanis website and host runs on a nintendo, and the computers in his hawzahs and office are actually all Modified nokia phones, it can't be amd or intel right?

^ Hello,

 

 

 

You are wrong.  The exact opposite is true.  Lack of protection of intellectual property subverts innovation.  What is the incentive for inventing a better mouse trap if the inventer will not realize some reward?  

 

It is the same reason socialism will never work and has never worked.  Why work harder, think more, create new things when, in the end you get no reward.  You are paid the same as the slackard.  There is no incentive to create.  The same is true in societies that tolerate theft of intellectual property.  They kill the incentive to create.  However, they do create very innovative thief.

 

All the Best,

David

 

All the Best,

David

I agree. As a shia i would argue that the best model would be an islamic one. But if i was going to look at it from a western perspectice i would say a well balanced mix between capitalism and socialism would be best. Norway has that, but i still feel it's a tad unbalanced towards the socialism part.

[King]

Norway has that, but i still feel it's a tad unbalanced towards the socialism part.

 

Norway is relatively more socialist than say the US, but it is nowhere near socialist enough, and certainly not unbalanced towards socialism.

[King]

^ Hello,

 

 

 

You are wrong.  The exact opposite is true.  Lack of protection of intellectual property subverts innovation.  What is the incentive for inventing a better mouse trap if the inventer will not realize some reward?  

 

It is the same reason socialism will never work and has never worked.  Why work harder, think more, create new things when, in the end you get no reward.  You are paid the same as the slackard.  There is no incentive to create.  The same is true in societies that tolerate theft of intellectual property.  They kill the incentive to create.  However, they do create very innovative thief.

 

All the Best,

David

 

All the Best,

David

 

Again you demonstrate profound ignorance of socialism, scientific inquiry,  and basic human nature.

 

I suppose you would also be opposed to African companies importing "copied" drugs from India to fight off the aids epidemic since patent protected drugs cost a fortune.  Oddly enough around 40 odd greedy Pharmaceutical companies did decide to take African governments to court over trying to save lives.

 

Sensibly there was a public outcry and much negative publicity for the corporations which argued that without these patents there would be no incentive to innovate and make breakthroughs if their ideas were 'stolen'.  I suppose it makes a lot of sense, but really it doesn't.  

 

Material incentives are not the only source of motivation to innovate and create, scientific curiosity and the desire to benefit humanity historically has played a far greater role.  Countless researchers come up with great ideas they derive virtually no profit from, public universities routinely refuse to take out patents on their inventions.  Even in the greed infested US drugs industry a high percentage of research and innovation comes from sources which are not in the business of making it rich.

 

The open source community is another great example, I have not come across many more dedicated, selfless and helpful individuals as I have within the open source community.  It is utter nonsense to suggest that getting rid of intellectual property rights will mean no more technological progress.  Patents by definition give way to monopolies which we know impose costs on others.

 

Furthermore this mindset is at complete odds with historical reality, every single emerging power has stolen ideas and technology from already established powers, and the cycle of hypocrisy continues when the predominant players scream protection.  Some of these patents are protected until upwards of 80 odd years after the innovator dies off, don't you see how this stalls scientific progress?  When you cannot use prior ideas to build new ones?  I can run through a volume of examples demonstrating what an utter scandal the intellectual property laws are.  They have some merit in certain cases but on the whole it is an international scandal.

 

To reiterate about Korea and this generalizes, poorer nations cannot afford to sit back and innovate out of thin air, especially while the privileged are bent on consolidating their competitive advantage, this is why they have always stolen ideas, knowledge and technology, since this is how scientific progress takes place, you learn and build upon what is already present.  

[mina]

The NSA spy affaire pretty much shows that it's not clear who invented and who stole...

[repenter-gone4awhile]

Norway is relatively more socialist than say the US, but it is nowhere near socialist enough, and certainly not unbalanced towards socialism.

How come? I mean a lot of the institutes/companies here are stateowned, or majority state stake holders. At least a lot of the important ones like infrastructure, railroad, transportation, oil, telecom, schools etc.

[alirex]

USA is forcing IRAN not to be nuclear. Who have copyright on Nuclear ? And how then someone forcing other not to be ?

 

Apple sue on Samsung by claiming they are copying there ideas. How can someone put copyright on idea ? World is having billions of people .. is this not possible same idea flick same time in 10-12 people ? Then whos copyright will be.

 

Even crack makers are writing now days , Its good to buy product .. Developes deserves the price.

 

Someone wrote the code and design a software , i broke his codes and modified it. Who have copyright on knowledge ? He used same knowledge to design a software and i used same knowledge to modify it.

 

All languages are having there tags to code, who have copyright on those tags not to use without permission ?

[Guest silasun]

points to consider:

 

is it illegal in your country? If yes, well you should abide by the laws of the land, that is your Islamic duty.

 

Are you agreeing with the owner of the software not to use cracked copies by clicking "I agree"? Well, you have to abide by the contracts you sign (I don't know if this is considered an Islamic contract).

 

Also, Ayatollah Khamenei has declared it not permissible:

 

Copyrights

Q1328: What is the ruling in the matter of reproducing books and articles of foreign origin, or those published inside the Islamic Republic, without the permission of the publishers?
A: As regards reprinting, or offset, of books printed outside the Islamic Republic, it is governed by bilateral agreements reached by the two countries in this regard. As a matter of caution the rights of the publishers inside the country should be preserved by way of asking their permission to reprint their books.

Q1329: Is it permissible for authors, translators, and artists to be remunerated for the time, money, and effort they put in such works?
A: It is within their right to demand from the publisher whatever they like for delivering their first original manuscript or piece of work to the publisher.

Q1330: Suppose that the writer, translator, or artist received a fee for the first edition of their piece of work, and, at the same time made a provision that they are to be given a share in the proceeds from selling the subsequent edition. Are they justified in demanding a share of the proceeds of subsequent sales? And how should the money, received in such a way, be treated?
A: In case the owner of the work has made a provision in the contract reached for delivering the original one that he should receive an amount of money for the subsequent editions or the law requires so, then there is no objection to receive it and the publisher is obliged to observe the provision.

Q1331: Suppose that the author did not specify anything regarding the subsequent editions, is it permissible for the publisher to reprint the material with neither his permission nor paying him for it?
A: If the contract signed between the two parties is confined to printing the first edition only, it is a caution to preserve his right and ask his permission for the subsequent editions.

Q1332: In case the compiler is absent due to travel, death or the like, who should one approach for permission to reproduce his work and to whom should the money be paid?
A: The permission of the compiler’s representative or legal guardian must be obtained. In the event of his death, his heirs’ permission must be obtained.

Q1333: Is it permissible to reprint books without the permission of their owners, especially with the existence of the phrase "All rights reserved for the author"?
A: It is a matter of caution that the rights of both the author and the publisher must be respected through obtaining their permission to reprint the material.

Q1334: Some cassettes containing Qur’anic recitation and religious songs bear the phrase "Recording rights reserved". Is it permissible to make copies of such cassettes and give them to people who are interested in acquiring them?
A: As a matter of caution one should obtain the permission of the original publishers to make copies of the cassette.

Q1335: Is it permissible to make copies of computer disks? Assuming that it is ḥarām, is this confined to disks produced in Iran or does the ruling go beyond that to cover imported disks, especially when we know that the prices of some of these disks are very high because of their contents’ importance?
A: It is a caution to respect the rights of the owners by seeking their permission to make copies of the computer disks produced in Iran. In case they are produced abroad, it depends on the contract signed.

Q1336: Do trademarks of supermarkets or companies belong only to their owners so much so that others have no right to use the same trademarks for their businesses? To give an example, suppose that a person owns a business bearing the name of the family. Is it permissible for another member of the same family to use the same name for their business? And is it permissible for another person, who does not belong to the same family, to trade under the same name?
A: If the government, according to the ongoing laws gives the trademarks to someone who requested it earlier than the others and the trademark is registered in their names in administrative files, then, it is not permissible for others — including the family members of a person who acquired that trademark — to use it without the permission of its owner. Otherwise, there is no objection to doing so.

Q1337: Is it permissible for the owner of a photocopier to photocopy some material, on the pretext that they can be of benefit to the believers, without the permission of the owner of the printed matter? And would the ruling be different if the owner of the photocopier knew that the owner of the printed matter would object to people copying his material?
A: As a matter of caution, one should not take the initiative to photocopy the material without the permission of its owner.

Q1338: Some believers hire videotapes from a video shop. Upon viewing the material, they fancy it and accordingly make a copy of it without the permission of the shopkeeper. They do so on the understanding that the majority of the mujtahids do not recognize copyright. Are such people justified in what they are doing? On the assumption that it is not permissible, should those who have made copies hasten to seek the permission of the owners of the tape or is the wiping of the contents of the cassette sufficient?
A: As a matter of caution, one should not copy a videotape without the permission of its owners. However, if a person has already done so without the permission of the owner of the tape, it is sufficient to wipe the recorded material off the tape.

 

It is probably islamically not allowed due to contractual obligations, but hey, I will download away anyway.

 

Guys, it is pretty much theft. I don't see how there is any justification to download stuff illegally/ break copyright laws. Rather than looking at it as something to be dismissed we should instead contemplate the reality that we are stealing from somebody- whether he be a billionaire or a person going bankrupt. 

 

 

If you know it's haram then don't look at it lightly and don't download pirated stuff again.

[David66]

Hello,

 

 

Again you demonstrate profound ignorance of socialism, scientific inquiry,  and basic human nature.

 

 

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never harm me.  :)

 

You can toss out as many examples of how corporate and personal profit is evil and try to demonize it all you want.  Fact is, on a large scale it is the primary motivator.  Even if you are a government employ, your salary is paid with profit.  And, just because an entity seeks profits does not mean ethics are excluded.  Capitalism without ethics is just as destructive as practical socialism.  I say practical socialism because, in theory, socialism should work great.  But, as has been proven over and over, human nature is not compatible with socialism on a large scale.

 

Societies that do not demonize profits, that maintain ethics and rule of law, that protect both physical and intellectual property rights are the worlds leading societies.  And, they will continue to be so.  Also, these societies will continue to lead innovation.  Have you ever heard of "brain drain?"  If not, look it up.  And do a little research on the causes.

 

It is really a simple formula.  But, when I see others try to rationalize the theft of others intellectual property, even with the Abrahamic religions being very clear on the topic, I realize the simple formula is a concept not easily grasped by some.   A society will be burdened with a second rate economy until a super majority of the society understands and supports this simple formula.

 

All the Best,

David

[Bakir]

I haven't read replies so I don't knownif this has been addressed, but as a graphic design student, the university, college or educationalninstitution has the obligation to have student licenses for you and the rest of students. The ones committing an illegal act is precisely the university.

As for professional work, it depends. I have worked with pirated software, and there is no problem as long as my customer pays the license. After all, I am being contracted by that company. This have happened to me recently, we had a problem with the license of a program and it was the customer who had to pay it, not me or my group.

You haven't earned enough money as well to focus on licenses. I guess there is lack of common sense in the licensing world in many cases. A poor new freelancer will obviously don't have the means to pay out the licenses. I have always recommended to pay when someone makes good money out of the program he uses, thus he can keep everything legal. Same goes for movies of videogames. I usually try to get them from illegal sources and pay if I have liked the product. The videogame world is turning toward that direction as well (one can see Steam's incoming changes on refunds).

I believe there is need for more common sense, acknowledging the real situation in which many of us are (bearable poverty), and find methods in which we can all benefit in a legal way. Game engines, as Unity and Unreal 4 have noticed this and quickly changed their payment methods and licensing. It is about time others start offering other ways.