Downloading Books off the Internet and Selling Them

الاستفتاء

Because of the internet, it has become easier and more convenient nowadays for people to seek education. Thus, in order to quench the thirst for knowledge of those who are enthusiastic about learning, many of those who strive for the preservation of Deen has created websites to which a lot of time and money is spent in uploading an innumerous amount of books. They have probably hired people to assist in this work. My question is: is it permissible for someone to download these books and sell them to others? If it is permissible, then how should it be done?

الجواب حامدا و مصلیا

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Only the author of a book has the right to permit someone to publish his book. If this right is protected by law, then it would not be permissible to download, publish and sell the book without the author’s permission. This must be avoided. However, if the author had issued permission to do such, then it would be permissible.