Question
I have a question which I am shy to ask: "Is it permissible in Islaam to masturbate?". May Allaah increase us all in knowledge.
Answer
Praise be to A1laah. Masturbation (forboth men and women) is haraam (forbidden) in Islam based on the following evidence: First from the Qur an: Imam Shaf stated that masturbation is forbidden based on the following , verses from the Qur an:
(A) "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. (Q23[Muminoon]: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.
(B) "And let those who find not the financial means for marriage keep themselves chaste, until Allah enriches them of His bounty." (Q24[Nur]: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 Allaah enriches them of His bounty. Second from the Sunnah: Abdullaah ibn Mas od (RA) said, We were with the Prophet while we were young and had no wealth whatsoever. So Allaah's Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa salaam) 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). 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. Allaah knows what is best and most correct.
Curing The Habit
As for curing the habit of masturbation, we recommend the following suggestions:
1) The motive to seek a cure for this problem should be solely following Allaah's orders and fearing His punishment.
2) A permanent and quick cure from this problem lies in marriage as soon as the person is able, as shown in the Prophet's hadeeth.
3) Keeping oneself busy with what is good for this world and the hereafter is essential in breaking this habit before it becomes second nature after which it is very difficult to rid oneself of it.
4) Lowering the gaze (from looking at forbidden things such as pictures, movies etc.) will help suppress the desire before it leads one to commit the haraam (forbidden). Allaah orders men and women to lower their gaze as shown in the following two verses: "Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.), that is purer for them. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts" (Q24[an-Nur]:30-31).
Then, Allaah's Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "Do not follow a casual (unintentional) look (at forbidden things) with another look." (Tirmidhi). This is a general instruction by the Prophet to abstain from all that may sexually excite a person because it might lead him/her to commit the haraam (forbidden).
5) Using one's available leisure time in worshipping Allaah and increasing religious knowledge.
6) Avoiding the illusion that some youths have that masturbation is permissible because it prevents them from committing illegal sexual acts such as fornication or even homosexuality.
7) Strengthening one's willpower and avoiding spending time alone as recommended by the Prophet (sallallahu alayhiwa sallam) when he said "Do not spend the night alone" (Ahmad)
8) Following the Prophets a fore mentioned hadeeth and fast when possible, because fasting will temper ones sexual desire and keep it under control. However, note that medication to diminish ones sexual desire is strictly prohibited because it might permanently affect one sexual ability.
9) Trying to follow the Prophet recommendation concerning the etiquette of getting ready for bed, such as reciting well-known supplications, sleeping on the right side, and avoiding sleeping on the belly (the Prophet forbade sleeping on the belly).
10) Striving hard to be patient and chaste, because persistence will eventually, Allaah willing, lead to attaining those qualities as second nature, as the Prophet (explains in the following hadeeth: Whoever seeks chastity Allaah will make him chaste, and whoever seeks help from none but AI laah, He will help him, and whoever is patient He will make it easy for him, and no one has ever been given anything better than patience." (Bukhari)
11) Repenting, asking forgiveness from Allaah, doing good deeds, and not losing hope and feeling despair are all prerequisites to curing this problem. Note that losing hope is one of the major sins punishable by Allaah.
12) Finally, Allaah is the Most Merciful and He always responds to whoever calls on Him. So, asking for Allah forgiveness will be accepted, by His will. And Allaah knows best.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited