Is it permissible to acquire books and computer programmes free from pirating sources?

Answer

If the books/computer programmes are acquired by hacking into the private sites of the authors/sellers, then doing so is haraam. It will then not be permissible to even read the book acquired in this Islamically unlawful way. However, if the book/ programme is acquired lawfully, and it is then distributed free on the internet, etc., it will be permissible regardless of any copyright.