This is a fatwa I found in relation to the issue of photocopying books which have “all rights reserved” written in them.

Shaikh Muhammad bin Hizaam (may Allah preserve him) was asked:

Question:

A man photocopied a book which has “all rights reserved” [written] in it because he is not able to obtain a copy of the book which is available for sale. So what is the ruling on this action?

Answer:

“In relation to photocopying books which have “all rights reserved” [written] in them, whoever needs a copy to benefit from the knowledge, not for business, then there is no harm. It is not allowed to conceal knowledge while the book is not available. There is no harm in photocopying it:

مَنْ سُئِلَ عَنْ عِلْمٍ فَكَتَمَهُ أَلْجَمَهُ اللَّهُ بِلِجَامٍ مِنْ نَارٍ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ

Whoever is asked about knowledge and conceals it will have a bridle of fire put on him on the Day of Resurrection [Saheeh Abi Dawood no. 3658]

It is not allowed to conceal knowledge. If he intends to buy and sell it, then that is not allowed except with the permission of the publishing house which published the book”

Listen / Download

Translated by

Faisal bin Abdul Qaadir bin Hassan
Abu Sulaymaan