I’m not a Muslim, but aren’t there scholars around to answer those questions? As far as I know you’d need a mufti to provide you with that kind of answer to the question. Not a random person from the internet. As it’s a bit complicated and we won’t find direct references to Free Software in 1400 year old scripture. But we have text on trade, and knowledge. Which are related to what computer software is.

I personally think there is a (sometimes subtle) difference between paid software and harmful software.

Meta and X are definitely causing harm, but is something like Synergy? Sure, it costs money, but that money seems to be going to the developers. That would be no worse than paying a street vendor for food.

Likewise, finding an open-source virus and using it to hack people doesn’t absolve you of guilt.

While many large corporations tend toward capitalism, corruption and even fascism, I believe there is a lot more nuance than just paid vs free or closed vs open source.

I am not Muslim, but my mother and brother are so I grew up in and around Islam. I think the problem with going the route of declaring specific types of software haram would be that whatever criteria you’d set to draw that line would likely eventually get you to a position where using computers is haram; it’s not like there are ethically-sourced microchips, or FOSS replacements for Intel Management Engine (IME) and closed-source firmware, for instance.

There is actually a now-defunct version of Ubuntu called Sabily that my brother used to use, that focused on providing ‘halal’ apps for things like azan notifications.

So I think it’s fine and even good to try at only using FOSS tools as much as possible, but I don’t think it would make sense (or be workable as a strict doctrine) to proscribe non-FOSS software.

Why would FOSS be harem? The people making the software are knowingly giving it out for free.

is this rage bait wtf I care about your imaginary shit the same way I care about what jedis and orcs would think about the thing