Masturbation is not Haraam or Sinful but Makrooh and Discouraged in Islam - Dr Zakir Naik
Summary
TLDRThis video addresses the question of whether masturbation is permissible in Islam, a topic frequently inquired about. Dr. Zakir Naik explains differing Islamic scholarly opinions, where the majority view it as Haram, others as Makro (discouraged), and a smaller group as Mubah (permissible). He explores Quranic verses and Hadith, delving into how interpretations vary. Dr. Naik ultimately aligns with the view that masturbation is Makro, recommending fasting as a better alternative, but states it is permissible if it helps avoid greater sins, such as fornication.
Takeaways
- 😀 The majority of Islamic scholars believe that masturbation is Haram, but there are also significant groups who consider it either Makro (discouraged) or Muba (permissible).
- 📜 Scholars from the Shafi and Maliki schools of thought mostly believe that masturbation is Haram, basing their ruling on interpretations of Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:5-7).
- 🕌 The second group of scholars interprets the Quranic verse as referring only to sexual intercourse, making masturbation permissible and not included in the prohibition.
- 💡 Some scholars argue that if the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not explicitly say masturbation was forbidden, it cannot be declared Haram.
- 🔍 According to the medical perspective, masturbation does not cause significant physical or psychological harm unless done excessively, which can lead to problems.
- 😞 Many people experience guilt and psychological stress because they believe masturbation is Haram, leading to tension and interference with religious duties.
- 💭 Ibn Hazm, among other scholars, believed that masturbation is Makro (discouraged) but permissible if it prevents someone from committing fornication.
- 🛑 Masturbation is often associated with Haram activities like watching pornography, which makes it sinful, and scholars caution against these associated behaviors.
- 🙏 Fasting is recommended as a way to reduce sexual desires when marriage is not possible, as advised by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- ✅ Dr. Zakir Naik concludes that while avoiding masturbation is best, it is permissible under certain conditions, especially if it helps avoid greater sins like fornication.
Q & A
What is the Islamic ruling on masturbation according to the majority of scholars?
-The majority of Islamic scholars believe that masturbation is Haram (forbidden) based on various interpretations of Quranic verses, such as Surah Al-Mu’minun, chapter 23, verses 5-7.
Are there scholars who hold a different opinion on masturbation in Islam?
-Yes, while the majority of scholars consider it Haram, a significant number believe it is Makrooh (discouraged) or Mubah (permissible), meaning it can be allowed under certain conditions, especially to avoid fornication.
What Quranic verse is often cited by scholars who consider masturbation Haram?
-Scholars who consider masturbation Haram often cite Surah Al-Mu’minun, chapter 23, verses 5-7, which speak about guarding private parts and permitting sexual pleasure only with one's spouse or slaves (in historical context).
How do scholars interpret the phrase 'guarding private parts' from the Quran in relation to masturbation?
-Some scholars interpret this phrase to mean that all sexual pleasure is only permitted with a spouse, thus making masturbation Haram. Others argue it refers only to sexual intercourse, making masturbation permissible.
What did Imam Shafi'i say about masturbation?
-Imam Shafi'i believed masturbation is Haram based on the Quranic verses that restrict sexual pleasure to one’s spouse.
What is the view of scholars like Ibn Hazm on masturbation?
-Ibn Hazm believed masturbation is permissible (Mubah) because there is no explicit prohibition against it in the Quran or Hadith. He also argued that touching one’s private parts is allowed, making masturbation acceptable.
Why do some scholars categorize masturbation as Makrooh (discouraged)?
-Some scholars categorize masturbation as Makrooh because it is seen as an act of lower nobility. It is discouraged but permitted if it helps prevent greater sins like fornication.
What is the medical perspective on masturbation mentioned in the video?
-From a medical standpoint, masturbation is common and does not cause harm unless done excessively. Myths such as it causing blindness or nervous problems are not supported by medical science.
What advice did Dr. Zakir Naik give to those who struggle with guilt over masturbation?
-Dr. Zakir Naik advised that while masturbation is discouraged (Makrooh), it is not a sin, and one should not feel excessive guilt. He emphasized that if one struggles with sexual urges, fasting is the best option, and masturbation can be a lesser alternative to avoid fornication.
Is there any punishment mentioned for masturbation in Islamic texts?
-There is no specific punishment mentioned for masturbation in the Quran or authentic Hadith. Scholars argue that if it helps avoid greater sins like fornication, it can be tolerated.
Outlines
🤔 Understanding the Islamic Rulings on Masturbation
This paragraph introduces the topic by presenting a question regarding the permissibility of masturbation in Islam. The speaker acknowledges that this is a common query and discusses the varying opinions among Islamic scholars. The majority believe masturbation is Haram, while others consider it Makro (discouraged) or Mubah (permissible). The speaker aims to explore these differing views and clarify his own stance later in the discussion.
📜 Qur'anic Interpretation and Diverging Views
This section delves into the Quranic verses cited by scholars who argue that masturbation is Haram. The speaker explains the interpretation of Surah al-Mu’minun, where believers are commanded to guard their private parts except with their spouses or slaves. The scholars interpret this as forbidding all sexual pleasure outside marriage, including masturbation. However, a second group of scholars argues that the verse only restricts sexual intercourse, not masturbation, leading to a difference of opinion.
🕌 Scholarly Opinions and the Role of Hadith
Here, the speaker explains further scholarly opinions on masturbation, especially from jurists like Imam Shafi’i and IBN Hazm. Some scholars consider it Makro (disliked but not forbidden), while others permit it entirely. The speaker highlights the Hadith where the Prophet advised fasting for those unable to marry, but argues that the Hadith does not explicitly prohibit masturbation. Instead, it promotes fasting as a means to control sexual urges.
🔬 Medical Perspectives on Masturbation
The speaker, as a medical professional, shares insights on the frequency of masturbation among men and women based on research, debunking myths about its harmful effects. He notes that while excessive masturbation can cause health issues, normal masturbation does not lead to blindness or nervous problems, as some falsely claim. The speaker aligns with scholars who classify masturbation as Makro but permissible in moderation.
😔 Guilt, Mental Health, and Islamic Practice
In this final section, the speaker addresses the psychological impact of believing that masturbation is Haram, noting how it can cause guilt, anxiety, and interfere with religious duties like Salah. He advises those who struggle with sexual urges but cannot marry to fast or, if necessary, masturbate without guilt, as it is better than committing fornication. The speaker concludes that while masturbation is discouraged, it is permissible in certain contexts, especially to prevent greater sins.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Masturbation
💡Haram
💡Makrooh
💡Mubah
💡Fornication (Zina)
💡Scholars (Fuqaha)
💡Quranic Verses (Surah Al-Mu’minun)
💡Hadith
💡Medical Perspective
💡Repentance (Tawbah)
Highlights
Majority of scholars in Islam believe masturbation is Haram, while a large number say it is Makruh (discouraged) or Mubah (permissible).
Imam Ash-Shafi interprets Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:5-7) to mean all sexual pleasure is only permissible with one's spouse or slave, hence masturbation is Haram.
The other group of scholars believes that the verse refers specifically to sexual intercourse, so masturbation is not included and is not prohibited.
There is no explicit verse in the Quran prohibiting masturbation; scholars differ in their interpretation of sexual acts outside marriage.
Some scholars, such as Ibn Hazm, argue that touching one's private parts (as in masturbation) is permissible as per certain Hadith.
The Hadith advising young people who cannot marry to fast does not mention masturbation as Haram; some scholars argue it’s not sufficient evidence to prohibit it.
The second group of scholars believes that masturbation is Makruh but permissible to avoid fornication, citing the opinion of companions like Ibn Abbas.
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal and the Hanbali school generally categorize masturbation as Makruh, but permitted if it prevents one from committing adultery.
Scholars like Imam Ash-Shawkani and some of Ibn Abbas’ students classify masturbation as Mubah (permissible) under normal circumstances.
Medical research shows that a majority of men (95%) and women (80%) masturbate, suggesting it is a common practice without significant health risks.
Excessive masturbation can cause psychological and health issues, but normal masturbation does not cause harm according to medical science.
Masturbation is often associated with Haram activities like pornography, which makes it sinful, but not inherently prohibited on its own.
The best course of action for someone with strong sexual urges is fasting, but if that is insufficient, occasional masturbation is permissible.
Dr. Zakir Naik believes masturbation falls under Makruh (discouraged), but permissible in cases where it prevents more serious sin like fornication.
The feeling of guilt surrounding masturbation, especially when believed to be Haram, can lead to mental stress and distract from religious duties like Salah.
Transcripts
the second question
it's from Mark's King
is masturbation Haram 14s
a similar question
has been asked
assalamu alaikum Dr Zakir Naik my name
is
I would like to know the ruling on
masturbation
I traveled and left my family behind for
greener pasture
for about one and a half years now
I missed my wife very much
when I call her
online for video chat we sometimes end
up with masturbation I would like to
know if this is sinful or not
a similar question is asked by third
question
sir
I am habibullah Islam
from Assam India
I am a student
is masturbation Haram in Islam
I do this and later I regret
I do Toba but after some days I do it
again
I can't find the solution to this
problem
I am unhappy with masturbation and what
I do
the question
that is masturbation permitted in Islam
is a very common question and
literally every session I have one or
two people asking this question
but I've been trying to avoid
answering this question but today I
decided that let me answer this question
as far
as the act of masturbation is concerned
the scholars in Islam
there are different opinions but the
majority of the scholars
they say that masturbation in Islam is
Haram
even though majority of the scholars say
Haram there's a large number which also
say that it is makro and there's another
large number of Scholars who say that it
is buba it's optional
so I would like to say at the outset
that majority of the scholars in terms
of percentage majority
they say that it is Haram but a large
number they may not be majority but the
number is huge
a large number of Scholars they also say
it is makro it's discouraged and another
large number do not in majority they
also say that it is MOBA and we'll
discuss this issue today
and I'll let you know that which group
of Scholars do I agree with towards the
end
as far
as the jurist the fukaha amongst the
Shafi
and the Maliki
almost all of them they say that
masturbation is Haram
and according to Imam ashafi
Allah have mercy on him
he says it is Haram and he quotes the
verse of the Quran from Surah al-mominun
chapter number 23 verse number 5 6 and
7.
that Believers will eventually
be successful
verse number two says Those Who humble
themselves in prayers
verse number three says Those Who avoid
when talks verse number four says that
those who do acts and deeds of charity
those who guard the private parts or
those who abtained from sex was number
six is except those who they have
married that is their spouses that is
their wives and those which they write
hand possesses
for them there is an exception and verse
number seven says that all those who
cross these limits they are
transgressors
so here the Quran says chapter number 23
verse number five six and seven that the
moments are those who guard their
private parts abstain from illicit sex
except from the spouses and what their
right hand possesses
that's an exception and all those across
this limits their trans cases So based
on this verse of the Quran Imam Allah
will be pleased with him he says that
here the verse is very clear-cut that
sex you can only have with your spouse
and what your right hand possesses and
everything else is prohibited now this
verse of the god is Quran can be
interpreted in two ways the first group
of Scholars
they understand this verse as
you're guarding your private parts in
Arabic it means that all types of sexual
pleasure that means all types of sexual
pleasures for a moment is only permitted
with your wife and what your right hand
possesses that is a slave girl and now
this slave woman has been abolished
so now it is restricted
to only a wise
So based on this verse if all sexual
pleasure is only permitted
with your wife then even masturbation is
Haram
masturbation stimulation of your organ
and most of the time it is
self-stimulation of your private part
such that the ejaculation or this orgasm
but
the other group of scholar say that this
was guard your private parts it's only
restricted to sexual intercourse
so the verse of the Quran actually means
that you can have sexual intercourse
only with your wife and what your right
hand possesses
this world doesn't refer to other things
so if you agree with the second group of
Scholars then masturbation doesn't fall
under this verse of the Quran that's the
reason the scholars are divided but if
you literally know the verse of the
Quran the meaning it says guard your
private parts
so but naturally there is no explicit
verse in the Quran which says that
masturbation is prohibited and what we
realize from this word it means sexual
intercourse
and there are various other verses which
have prohibited sexual intercourse with
people outside the marital bonds or if
they are not what your right hand
possesses if they are not your slave
woman
come not close to adultery Zina or
fornication for it is an evil opening
other route to evil So based on this
verse of the Quran the other group of
Scholars they say that this was
specifically refers to sexual
intercourse that means sexual
intercourse is only permitted with your
wife and with what your right hand
possesses
otherwise it doesn't mean other things
so if you agree the meaning of this
verse is only restricted to sexual
intercourse then masturbation is not
included in this verse so that's the
reason Scholars differ
and according to IBN hazam
he says that our beloved Prophet has
permitted
a person to touch his private part and
then Hadith it says touch with your left
hand no problem it is your organ you can
touch he also says that it is your fruit
you can emit it if you want So based on
that he says when the prophet has
permitted to touch your private organ
and that is what you do in masturbation
it is self-stimulation so surely it is
permitted
and masturbation is of two types one is
the self stimulation the other type of
masturbation is your spouse or your
sexual partner is stimulating you and no
scholar ever says that your wife or your
spouse is not permitted to touch your
private part so based on this surely the
other type of masturbation where your
spouse touch is permitted so when you
can enjoy with the spouse touching a
private part then why can't you do it
yourself so based on this the second
group of Scholars which is lesser number
they say that this was does not include
masturbation at all it is just talking
about section into cause so sexual
intercourse is only permitted with your
wife with your spouse and with what your
right hand possesses it doesn't include
masturbation so that's how the scholars
differ there is another argument given
by the first group of Scholars who say
that masturbation is prohibited and the
code Hadith of a beloved Prophet Muslim
which is mentioned inside bukhari volume
number seven Hadith number foreign
people Whoever has the means to get
married they should get married four it
will help you to lower your kids and
guard your modesty guard your private
parts
and it continues those who cannot marry
they should fast for it will reduce your
sexual desire
so here the first group of Scholars they
say fear the prophet said if you cannot
marry you should fast
the prophet did not say masturbation
that's the reason masturbation Haram now
this logic to say that just because the
prophet did not say masturbate doesn't
make masturbation Haram yes what we have
to understand from this Hadith that the
young people should marry if they can if
they cannot marry they should fast that
means fasting is
no way does it mean that masturbation is
Haram because it's not mentioned as
Haram
that eat date it's good for nourishment
and for energy and if the prophet says
it did that does not mean eating mangoes
Haram it means eating date is good in
Mustafa yeah the fruit become mama
so it is wrong to conclude from this
Hadith of say bukhari that masturbation
is Haram it is wrong logic because for
Haram they should be strong evidence
from the Quran or from say Hadith
So based on this the second group of
Scholars who say it is not Haram they
said there is no text at all anywhere in
the Quran this is the only verse with
the scholars quote of Surah chapter
number 23 verse number five to seven
which they say it doesn't include
masturbation there's no clear-cut
evidence it only speaks about sexual
intercourse and there's no say Hadith
prohibiting masturbation there are some
daif and modu Hadith
we say masturbation is prohibited but
that is not good enough for evidence
so we come to the second group of
Scholars and we will discuss what they
say they believe that masturbation is
amongst them
is
with him who was the companion of the
Prophet there is a person who comes to
him and faith that I have been
masturbating he says that masturbation
is better than fornication
marriage is better than masturbation
that means the call the
verdicted him who was a close companion
of the Prophet Muslim according to him
marriage is better than masturbation
masturbation is better than fornication
indirectly it means that surely
masturbation is permitted but it is
makro
the best is marriage if you cannot marry
then masturbate because it will prevent
you from fornication
So based on this
the second group of Scholars who say
masturbation is permitted becomes
category is
he's of the opinion that masturbation
should not be done but if you're going
to do fornication
then you can do masturbation and he puts
it in the makro category so the humbly
school of thought most of them they say
that masturbation comes under the makro
category that means it's discouraged and
this is also said by mujahid he says
that masturbation it should be avoided
but if it's done to prevent fornication
ozena it is permitted
this is the view even of IBN Hassan
says that masturbation is makro it's
discouraged but
if you're involved in fornication then
better do masturbation it is permitted
in such cases
and he says that though masturbation is
permitted it is not amongst the Deeds
of the noble people
it's not the Deeds of nobility
that for this saying that means the
noble people normally don't do it so it
is discouraged so that it is in this
group of Scholars put it in the makro
category there are many other scholars
in this category time are not for me to
discuss that
the third group of Scholars they put in
the mobile category the students of IBN
Abbas some of the students understood
that bus
has put masturbation in the makro
category and when they say it is but the
other group of students
with him they said that it is
permitted without any condition amongst
them
we have
Jafar bin said he was a tabain museum
and he was a student of IBN abbased him
and his opinion is that masturbation is
permitted there is no harm at all in
doing
it is Boba there is no sin and the
normal circumstance is permitted there
is another turbine by the name of Amar
bin dinar according to him also
masturbation is permitted there is no
restriction it comes under the Bubba
category if you want to do it do it if
you don't want to do don't do it it is
in the buba category even the famous
scholar Imam ashokani is very famous
just 150 200 years back he was there and
according to him also masturbation is
buba it is permitted it is optional if
you want to do it do it there is no sin
if you don't do it also there is no
problem it is under the MOBA category
and even according
to bhardavi he says that masturbation is
makro but depending upon the situation
if it causes the trouble it comes under
the Haram category and he also goes on
to say that if you fear you will do
fornication masturbation becomes further
that's his opinion so here you have
three groups of Scholars one group which
is the majority saying it is Haram based
on the voice of sorry Momin chapter
number 23 verse number five to seven
whereas the second group of Scholars say
it is macro it's discouraged and the
third group said it is
permissible it depends upon you
according to me
I being a medical doctor
that
in our Medical College when I did my
medicine
they should say
that when you ask
a person do you masturbate 99 will say
yes and the remaining one percent they
are lying anyway this is just a joke
it's amongst the medical students it's
not a fact but according to research
today research tells us that amongst the
males 95 masturbate amongst the females
approximately 80 masturbate
I am not seeing that it is normal to
masturbate but it is very common
and there is a myth
that which is there if you go to some of
the Islamic sites and those who believe
it's Haram they say that masturbation
causes blindness masturbation it causes
nervous problem
all these things are a myth in no way
does masturbation cause blindness it
nowhere does it cause a nervous problem
yes if you do excessive masturbation
they can be certain problem that is
excessive masturbation and even Medical
Science tells us if you do excessive
sexual intercourse with your wife maybe
10 times a day even that will cause
problem
successive anything or excessive most of
the things will cause the problem but
normal masturbation medically doesn't
cause any problem if you do masturbation
according to Medical Science it is
normal if you don't know also it is
normal
but the majority of the people involved
in masturbation but I'm not saying it is
the norm but I am saying that majority
people do it so based on what the
scholars say and what medical Sciences I
agree more with the second group of
Scholars and I would say that
masturbation
is macro it is discouraged
to make anything Haram you require a
strong evidence from the Quran or from
and there is no evidence whatsoever the
verse of the Quran I do agree with the
second group of Scholars foreign
does not include masturbation it's not
prohibited it is restricted to sexual
intercourse
and
I put it because there is no evidence it
will either come in the muba I put in
the makuru because I agree with the Call
of IBN hazam that it is not the act of
nobility
but because majority of human being
involved in it and there is no evidence
from the Quran and the Sunnah to
prohibit it I put in the makro category
everything the majority do is not
correct for example today according to
research 95 percent of the women in the
Western countries before they passed the
university the inward Regina that does
not mean Halal not at all the Quran is
very clear-cut in Israel chapter 17
verse number 32 that is prohibited it is
Haram majority do doesn't give it a
sanction to make it Halal but if there
is no text in the Quran or say Hadith
prohibiting it it becomes I put it into
the makru category for various reasons
one of the reasons it's not the ACT
of the noble people number two
that excessive masturbation
is Haram it can cause problems
it can cause health problems it can
cause psychological problems and
most of the time masturbation is
associated with Haram activities
most of the time masturbation is
associated with pornography whether
you're watching a blue film or a
pornographic film or you are watching
obscene photographs images
here itself if it Associated to the
Haram activity that again becomes Haram
so if you associate masturbation with
pornography or with obscene photographs
it is Haram and that is prohibited
and it leads to that high chances that's
the reason I would say that best is to
avoid
but
if you cannot marry for various reasons
that we have
so the best would be you fast as was the
recommended by beloved prophet and say
buhari volume number seven Hadith number
5066 that all young people whoever had
the means to get married they should get
married
for it will help you to lower your gaze
and guardian modesty
and if you cannot marry then you fast it
will reduce sexual Purge and this is
scientifically proven that if you fast
it reduces your urge
of your sexual device so the best is to
fast but it will not be possible to fast
always and depending upon the levels of
Sociology that keeps on differing So
based on this
the Musta
is too fast but if you cannot or if
that's not sufficient to suppress your
desire and if you have to masturbate it
is permitted
it is not a sin there is no evidence
anyway in the Quran Hadith which says
that if you masturbate you'll get a
punishment
so the reason I'm saying this that I'm
being a medical doctor I know
that there are many Muslims
many of them hundreds who have come to
me for consultation
and they believe because
of
the views
of most of the Muslims
they are good practicing Muslims but
they believe it is Haram so they come to
me and the similar word question was
asked that he stands he's unhappy and he
has got mental stress
because they are good practicing Muslims
they pray five times but they realize
and they think masturbation is Haram so
they get tensed up and worked up and
this causes many a Time big problem
because they think it is Haram and
they're doing it and they're the guilty
feeling this guilty conscious
prevents them sometimes or many a time
even to do good deeds it disturbs them
in the Salah it disturbs them in the
ring of the Quran so because of not
knowing the fact what is there in the
Medical Science today these people think
it's Haram it disturbs them so I would
like to tell you that I am not giving a
blanket rule that do it I'm just telling
you best avoid it but if you have sexual
urges which you cannot suppress doing
masturbation is not Haram occurring to
me it is permissible don't do it
excessively once in a while no problem
don't be mentally Disturbed that's its
Haram and as the questioner asked I've
asked for forgiveness again I do it I
Repent again I do it so let me tell you
that if you come under this category
where you have sexual desire that keeps
on differing from different people some
people high sexual desire some people
are medium some people have less so if
you fall in the category of people who
have high sexual desires and if you're
not married and if you have to
masturbate though it is
discouraged but don't have the guilt
feeling
don't do it excessively don't do it
along with pornography and I would go to
the extent that if because of this
you're going to do fornication
or adultery then according to me
masturbation becomes
and as mentioned by humble and IBN Abbas
may Allah be pleased with him that
masturbation is better than fornication
so normally according to me I would like
to repeat I'm not giving a blanket
permission all of you should do
according to me masturbation comes in
the makro category best is to avoid it
if you have the Virgin and if you're not
married better that you fast
if
they then masturbation is permitted
there is no sin there is no punishment
you don't have to feel guilty
and if you have the urge and if you
think due to fornication then build to
masturbation and avoid fornication and
marry as soon as possible
we know that masturbation differ to
different people even after marriage
masturbation majority of the people
masturbate 70 of the males after
marriage they masturbate but of course
by age it keeps on reducing marriage
just reduces the more sexual intercourse
you have it reduces so this is my view
regarding masturbation it is avoiding is
the best
next option is fasting if you get
healthy urges then permissible don't add
the guilt feeling and see to it that you
practice and stay on the Quran Sunnah or
for your Salah and do your bada and
inshallah pray to Allah that he keeps
you on the straight path
hope that's a question
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