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Work that involves protecting programs containing objectionable material

27-03-1999

Question 4029

Some computer programs that are in the memory of a computer and then loaded onto disks and the like. Another program may be added to the disks to protect the contents, so that no one can copy the original program. My job has to do with these protection programs, working for companies or program owners. Among the programs I deal with are some that contain music or that belong to followers of bid’ah. If I produce programs to protect this material, as far as I can see, I am reducing the number of copies available, because then no one can make copies and they have to buy original versions. Is my work to protect these programs that contain objectionable material halaal or haraam?

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

We put this question to Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen, may Allaah preserve him, who answered as follows:

“This is not haraam, and indeed it may be waajib (obligatory), because it is reducing the availability of these things.”

Question:

On that basis, is it permissible for him to accept payment for this?

Answer:

“Yes.”

Question:

“But the owner of the programs could go to someone else to get the protection of these programs.”

Answer (paraphrased):

“This has nothing to do with anyone else. It’s OK if he does this work of making these protection programs.”

Question:

And he can accept payment for it?

Answer:

“He can accept payment for it. And Allaah knows best..”

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