The Islamic Ruling on Masturbation | Ask Shaykh YQ #95

Summary

In this detailed discussion, the permissibility of masturbation in Islam is explored, highlighting varying scholarly opinions. The majority of scholars view it as haram (sinful), based on Quranic guidance that sexual activity is only allowed within marriage. However, other scholars argue it may be permissible in certain situations, particularly to avoid zina (fornication). The speaker emphasizes that while masturbation is not the default or ideal practice, it may be allowed as a temporary measure for those unable to marry or who face strong sexual urges. The importance of avoiding pornography and maintaining healthy marital relationships is also underscored.

Takeaways

• 😀 The majority of Islamic scholars consider masturbation to be haram or sinful, as it goes beyond the boundaries of sexual activity allowed by Allah, which is exclusively between spouses or right-hand possessions.
• 😀 The primary justification for the prohibition of masturbation comes from the Quranic verse that praises those who protect their private parts, except in lawful relationships.
• 😀 Imam Shafi'i and other scholars use the Quranic verse to argue that self-stimulation (masturbation) is not allowed, as it transgresses the limits set by Allah.
• 😀 There are differing opinions within Islamic scholarship, with some scholars considering masturbation haram (sinful), others makruh (discouraged), and some even seeing it as completely permissible in certain circumstances.
• 😀 The Hanbali school of thought and scholars like Ibn Hazm and Imam Ashokani consider masturbation permissible under certain circumstances, especially to avoid greater sins like zina (fornication).
• 😀 Ibn Abbas, a key companion of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), suggested that masturbation is better than committing zina, though he also recommended marriage to a slave girl as a better alternative.
• 😀 The act of masturbation was reportedly considered a viable option by some early Muslim scholars to avoid zina, particularly for young men and women unable to marry.
• 😀 Although masturbation may be permissible under certain conditions, such as avoiding zina, it is generally regarded as not noble or natural, and frequent use is discouraged.
• 😀 Visual stimuli like pornography are strictly prohibited in Islam, as they can lead to further sin and disrupt the natural order of intimacy within marriage.
• 😀 The underlying point is that masturbation should be a temporary solution, not a default practice, and should not replace normal marital relations or lead to unhealthy habits like pornography addiction.
• 😀 Scholars emphasize that the moral and psychological harms of pornography are significant and can harm both individuals and marriages, further complicating the issue of masturbation.

Q & A

What is the majority view among Islamic scholars regarding masturbation?

The majority of Islamic scholars, particularly from the Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanafi schools, consider masturbation haram (forbidden), basing this on the Quranic verse that encourages protecting one's private parts except with a spouse or 'right hand possessions.'

Is there any explicit mention of masturbation in the Quran or authentic hadith?

No, there is no explicit mention of masturbation in the Quran. While there are some weak or fabricated hadiths on the matter, there is no authentic hadith that directly forbids it.

What are the three primary positions on masturbation in Islam?

The three primary positions are: 1) It is haram (forbidden), 2) It is makruh (discouraged but not sinful), and 3) It is completely permissible (mubah), particularly when it helps avoid greater sins like zina.

What is the position of the Hanbali school regarding masturbation?

The Hanbali school holds a position where masturbation is sometimes considered permissible (mubah), particularly if it is done to avoid the greater sin of zina. However, they have other positions on the issue as well.

What did Ibn Abbas say regarding masturbation?

Ibn Abbas viewed masturbation as better than committing zina (fornication), especially for unmarried individuals. He suggested that marriage to a slave girl would be better, but masturbation was a lesser evil in avoiding zina.

How does the position of Ibn Hazm differ from other scholars on masturbation?

Ibn Hazm considered masturbation permissible (mubah), but he did not encourage it, stating that it was not from the noble manners. However, he argued that if one resorts to it to avoid zina, it is not sinful.

Is masturbation allowed for women in Islam?

Yes, scholars like Al-Mardawi mention that masturbation is permissible for women if done to avoid zina, and similar views are held by other scholars such as Ibn Hazm and Al-Hasan Al-Basri.

What is the significance of the term 'makruh' in the context of masturbation?

Makruh means that masturbation is discouraged but not sinful. It is better not to engage in it, but it is not inherently sinful, especially in situations where it helps avoid the greater sin of zina.

What is the relationship between masturbation and pornography in Islam?

While masturbation itself may be permissible in certain circumstances, it must not be accompanied by visual stimulation such as pornography, which is strictly haram in Islam. Pornography is seen as harmful to both the soul and relationships.

What role does marriage play in the permissibility of masturbation?

Once married, the focus should shift to fulfilling each other's needs within the marriage. Masturbation is discouraged in this context, and spouses should work together to resolve intimacy issues without resorting to masturbation or pornography.