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Ref. No. 974
Assalamualeikum,
Nowadays, we find some websites who provides free downloading of islamic books.
Actually they scan the entire book and upload on the website.
That, without asking to the publisher, author...
Moreover these books are islamic books.
So is this halaal?
Can we download a book from these websites but having bought the exact same book (same editor, same title, same author, same year of publication) before? What are the limits of use?
Can we download these book for free without buying the actual book?
Can we teach from these free books (from reliable books of course) ?
Can we distribute them freely (in electronic format or after printing it) ?
Can we print and buy these books ?
Please give me a detailed answer. Enven if it takes time :) .
Jazakumullahu kheyraa
Wassalam
asked Jun 2, 2014 in Fiqh by Muhammad
edited Sep 2, 2014 by Darul Ifta

1 Answer

In the name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful
 
The answer to your question is as follows:

The copyrighted books are protected and it is not allowed to upload them on the net without permission of the author or publisher. Nevertheless the books that don’t have copyright protected can be uploaded and downloaded without permission of author or publisher etc.; when it is allowed then uploading such free books on the net will benefit you and the readers can download such books for seeking profit.  

And Allah Knows Best 

DarulIfta

Darul Uloom Waqf Deoband

answered Jun 17, 2014 by Darul Ifta
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