Can One Illegally Modify One’s Property?
Shafi'i Fiqh
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Is it haram to jailbreak items like a PS3 for custom firmware or to unlock an electric scooter to exceed legal speed limits? No harm is caused, but the modifications are done by someone not affiliated with the company. What is the ruling on this?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.
One can do any permissible action to one’s property. Modifying a product that belongs to you is generally permissible unless your modifications are unlawful, harmful, or infringe on the rights of others.
Exceeding the speed limit and breaking contracts that you may have entered would be illegal, and, therefore, unlawful in Islam. unless those limitations contradict Allah’s laws.
Please see this related answer.
I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
