❖ Shar‘i Ruling on Changing a Mobile Phone’s IMEI Number ❖
✍ Written by: Shaykh Fahad Ansari ḥafiẓahullāh
❖ Question:
Is it permissible to change the IMEI number of a mobile phone in order to make it PTA-approved and avoid additional tax?
✦ Legal and Shar‘i Perspective
⚠ Fraud and Legal Offense:
◈ Changing a mobile phone’s IMEI number constitutes fraud and is considered a criminal offense under national law.
◈ This act not only violates state regulations but also undermines public trust and social responsibility.
✦ Shar‘i Ruling:
◈ According to Islamic teachings, deception and illegal means are strictly prohibited.
“مَن غَشَّنا فليسَ منَّا“
“Whoever cheats us is not from among us.”
📚 Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 102
✿ On the Issue of Excessive Taxation
◈ Even if the tax system is perceived as unjust, resorting to ḥarām or illegal means to avoid it is not permissible in Sharī‘ah.
◈ Legal and ethical solutions must be pursued to address such concerns.
✿ No Valid Excuse of Necessity
◈ Using a mobile phone does not qualify as a dire necessity (ḍarūrah) that would justify committing a ḥarām act.
◈ At best, this matter falls under the category of doubtful (shubhah), and the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Avoid that which is doubtful…”
✅ Advice & Caution
✔ Remain within legal and Shar‘i boundaries.
✔ Address unjust taxation through proper dialogue and lawful means.
✔ Avoid all doubtful and prohibited acts, as they lead to loss in both this world and the Hereafter.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَم
