Is Masturbation allowed in Islam?

 

 

Is Masturbation allowed in Islam?

 

Masturbation (for both men and women) is haraam (forbidden) in Islam based on the following evidence:

 

First from the Qur'aan:

 

Imam Shafi'i stated that masturbation is forbidden based on the following verses from the Qur'aan (interpretation of the meaning):

 

"And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts). Except from their wives or (the captives and slaves) that their right hands possess, – for them, they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors." 23.5-7 Here the verses are clear in forbidding all illegal sexual acts (including masturbation) except for the wives or that their right hand possess. And whoever seeks beyond that is the transgressor.

 

"And let those who find not the financial means for marriage keep themselves chaste, until Allah enriches them of His bounty." 24.33. This verse also clearly orders whoever does not have the financial means to marry to keep himself chaste and be patient in facing temptations (including masturbation) until Allah enriches them of His bounty.

 

Secondly, from the sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him):

 

Abdullaah ibn Mas'ood said, "We were with the Prophet while we were young and had no wealth whatsoever. So Allaah's Messenger said, "O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty (i.e. his private parts from committing illegal sexual intercourse etc.), and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual power." Bukhari:5066. The hadeeth orders men who are not able to marry to fast despite the hardship encountered in doing so, and not to masturbate despite the ease with which it can be done.

 

There are additional evidences that can be cited to support this ruling on masturbation, but due to the limited space we will not go through them here. And also the following fatwa has also been issued:

 

Question: If a Muslim's desire is aroused during the day in Ramadhaan and he finds no recourse but to masturbate, does this nullify his fast and does he have to make up for this day and make any expiation for this act?

 

Response: Masturbating in Ramadhaan or other than Ramadhaan is prohibited (Haraam) as Allaah (subhaanahu wa-ta'aala) has said: {And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts). Except with their wives and the (women slaves and captives) whom their right hand possess, – for (them) they are not to be blamed. But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers} [Soorah al-Ma'aarij, Aayah 29-31]. So one who is fasting during the day and then does this must make repentance to Allaah (subhaanahu wa-ta'aala) and also make up the fast for that particular day. There is no expiation to make because the expiation is specific only to (one who commits) sexual intercourse.
 

 

 

Thank you,
S.Shafi Husain.