Fatwaa ID: 280

Question:
السلام عليكم ورحمةالله وبركاته
Respected Mufti

Would the purchase of “fake” branded items be considered as stealing (comparable to stealing an artists designs), or would it be reprehensible in any way?

Answer:
In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salaamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullaahi wa-barakaatuh.

At the outset, one should question himself as to what his purpose and intention is in buying counterfeit items and even genuine brand names. Is it simply an attempt to show off and “flex”? If so, then that is impermissible. Nevertheless, while the purchase of a counterfeit item is valid and the transaction complete, it is unethical. One should not purchase such items. Live an honorable life.

And Allaah Ta’aala knows best.
Mufti Muajul I. Chowdhury
Darul Iftaa New York
https://askthemufti.us/

06/12/1444 AH – 01/05/2023 CE | AML3-3130

وصل اللهم وسلم وبارك على سيدنا محمد وعلى ءاله وصحبه أجمعين

__________________
Disclaimer

Darul Iftaa New York answers questions on issues pertaining to Shari’ah. These questions and answers are placed for public view on askthemufti.us for educational purposes. The rulings given here are based on the questions posed and should be read in conjunction with the questions. Many answers are unique to a particular scenario and cannot be taken as a basis to establish a ruling in another situation. 

Darul Iftaa New York bears no responsibility with regard to its answers being used out of their intended contexts, nor with regard to any loss or damage that may be caused by acting on its answers or not doing so.

References and links to other websites should not be taken as an endorsement of all contents of those websites. 

Answers may not be used as evidence in any court of law without prior written consent of Darul Iftaa New York.