['Aalim Network QR] Copyrights

[abbas@dircon.co.uk (Abbas Jaffer)]

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|       In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the All-Merciful       |\
|  Greeting of Allah be upon Muhammad and the pure members of his House |\
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The following question was kindly answered by Dr Liyakatali Takim.

Regards

Abbas Jaffer
Acting Moderator - ABDG-A.

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Question

What is the true Islamic ruling on copyrights - both for materials made my
Muslims and by non-Muslims??

I have heard Imam Khomeini did not recognize any copyrights, is this true?
Also, I am in taqleed of Agha Seestani, so please reply to this question
based on his rulings, with any references.

Can this rule of copyrights be extended to everything in our daily lives,
including Islamic material such as books, audio/video tapes and computer
software?? For example, can we make copies of tapes by various Qaris of the
Holy Qur'an, if they are for ourselves - or for friends??

Can we make copies of duas recited by various Shi'a (from cassette) to give
to others??
Are we allowed to distribute "Islamic" programs etc.. even if they are
``copyright''??

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Answer

Salaamun Alaykum,

Ayatullah Seestani does not recognize copyrights on anything. However, if
someone who sells you a product makes a condition at the time of selling
that you will not make copies of it and you accept that condition then one
cannot make copies of it.

I would advise that, to appreciate the hard labour exerted by the author,
one should not make copies of books/videos/audios without the author or
producer's consent.

And Allah knows best.

Yours in Islam

Liyakatali