Is Piracy and Watching Movies Illegally Online Considered Theft? - Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Summary

The speaker advises against illegally consuming digital media like movies and music online, emphasizing the importance of respecting copyright in Islam. They suggest alternative wholesome content, such as listening to prayers of the Prophet, to help change one's desires and habits. While they argue that merely streaming doesn't equate to theft, selling pirated content is impermissible. The discussion highlights the moral and legal considerations of digital piracy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Watching movies or listening to music illegally online, even without downloading, is considered questionable.
• 🎵 Music is generally advised against in Islam, though people may struggle with it, and it can take time to change one’s habits.
• 🙏 Replacing music with more wholesome content, such as prayers of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), can have a positive effect on one's faith (Iman).
• 🧠 Neuroplasticity allows the brain to change its cravings over time, helping a person adjust to different, more spiritually uplifting content.
• 🎬 Movies should be avoided if they contain inappropriate content, aligning with the same principles applied to music.
• 📜 In Islam, copyright is generally respected according to contemporary scholars (fuk of our time).
• 💻 Piracy is prohibited, especially if it involves profiting from illegal content, such as selling pirated materials.
• 💰 Simply watching pirated content without downloading or profiting from it may not necessarily mean owing the creators anything.
• 🚫 Selling pirated content or using it to make money is impermissible and directly harms the creators.
• 🤲 While some actions may not directly harm the creators financially, ethical and spiritual considerations remain important, and Allah knows best.

Q & A

Is watching movies or listening to music illegally online without downloading considered stealing?

According to the speaker, while it may not be considered outright theft in the traditional sense, consuming illegal content, like pirated movies or music, without paying for them is still problematic from both legal and ethical standpoints.

What is the Islamic perspective on listening to music, as mentioned in the transcript?

The speaker advises against listening to music, suggesting that it may not be spiritually beneficial. Instead, they recommend listening to other wholesome content, such as prayers or recitations, which can have a positive impact on one's Iman (faith).

How can someone break away from a habit of listening to music, according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that over time, one can change their preferences and habits through neuroplasticity by listening to wholesome content, like prayers. This shift in listening habits can help individuals disconnect from music and develop a taste for spiritually uplifting material.

What alternatives to music does the speaker recommend?

The speaker recommends listening to the prayers of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or similar wholesome content that can have a beneficial effect on one's heart and faith.

What does the speaker mean by 'removing the rust from the heart'?

The speaker is referring to a spiritual process in which listening to the mention of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) helps purify the heart, making it more receptive to faith and less attached to worldly distractions like music.

What is the Islamic ruling on watching movies with inappropriate content?

The speaker advises against watching movies with inappropriate content, emphasizing that such content can negatively affect a person's spirituality and overall well-being.

Is consuming pirated content considered permissible in Islam according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that while consuming pirated content without monetary gain may not directly harm the creator, it is still not advisable. However, profiting from pirated content, such as selling it, is considered impermissible and harmful.

Does Islamic jurisprudence respect modern copyright laws?

Yes, according to the speaker, Islamic jurisprudence generally respects copyright laws. Copyright is seen as a form of protection for intellectual property, and violating it is considered wrong, especially if there is financial gain involved.

If someone consumes pirated content but doesn't make money from it, do they owe the creators compensation?

The speaker states that if someone consumes pirated content without selling or profiting from it, they do not necessarily owe the creators any money. However, this doesn't imply that pirating is permissible.

What does the speaker say about profiting from pirated content?

Profiting from pirated content, such as selling it, is impermissible according to the speaker. This is because it directly harms the rightful owners by taking away their due financial rewards.