Can I Open a New Account If I Was Suspended for a Copyright Violation?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

Once on the social media platform, I created an account and posted copyrighted videos, and my account got suspended, so I made a new one. Then I realized that I did wrong and repented. Today, I read the terms of use and got to know that suspended account holders are not allowed to create new accounts.

So, am I breaking my agreement by using the service again? Am I sinful for that? I have repented to Allah and am trying my best to apologize to them, too, but I don’t know if it will work. A single suspension is like a lifetime ban from the service. Now, while using the service, I am not breaking any rules. Please tell me if I am sinful for using the service again.

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

You have created a new account after being suspended and communicated with them, expressing regret for breaking the terms. While this may not be considered a violation, creating another account while still being banned would be breaking the terms once again. Either wait for permission before using the account or proceed cautiously and ensure that you use it responsibly while following all terms and conditions.

You Must Be Truthful, Avoid Dishonesty

Mu’awiya ibn Abi Sufyan (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “You must be truthful. Verily, it leads to righteousness, and they are both in Paradise. Beware of dishonesty, for it leads to wickedness, and they are both in the Hellfire.” [Tabarani, al-Mu‘jam al-Kabir]

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction, in sha’ Allah.

Related: The Fiqh of Social Media: SeekersGuidance Critical Issues Seminar – SeekersGuidance

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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.