The Ruling on Copying and Distributing Computer Programs

Question : A questioner says: Honorable Shaykh, what is the ruling on copying computer tapes? And what is the ruling on selling and buying them, and acting as an intermediary for those who sell them? Knowing that these tapes point to much good and benefit, with the permission of Allah, and the price of these original tapes is very high, making them difficult to purchase. Please give us a ruling, may Allah reward you with good.

Answer : This depends on the custom established among people. It is known that if the copying rights are protected, one must consult the original recorder. This is the custom among people, and a person must treat others with what is known to be good.