Copyrights in Islam and Pakistan: Ethical Perspectives and Legal Framework

Abstract

While not explicitly addressed in classical Islamic jurisprudence, copyright in Islam finds its roots in the principles of intellectual property protection and fair exchange upheld by Islamic ethics.  The Qur'an encourages respect for others' rights and forbids unjust appropriation.  Islamic scholars interpret this to encompass intellectual property rights.  The concept of ‘ijtihad,’ or independent legal reasoning, allows adaptation to modern contexts, including copyright law.  Islamic history reveals protection for intellectual creations, such as scholars' attribution rights over their works.  Contemporary Islamic legal scholars engage in discussions on copyright, emphasizing the protection of authors' rights and promoting creativity within Islamic ethical boundaries.  While copyright law in Muslim-majority countries often aligns with international standards, some scholars advocate for a more comprehensive integration of Islamic principles into copyright legislation to ensure equitable protection for creators while fostering innovation and knowledge dissemination.  This article contributes to the existing literature on intellectual property rights by providing a distinct perspective rooted in Islamic jurisprudence.  It aims to acquire a more profound knowledge of the convergence of religion, law, and technology in shaping legal frameworks that promote creativity, innovation, and social welfare by investigating the concepts, applications, and current controversies surrounding copyrights in Islam.