Impermissibility of Masturbation
Question:-
Is masturbation allowed? If not, then why?
Answer:-
A Muslim is one that submits and surrenders to the Will of Allah Ta’ala. If the command of Allah Ta’ala is to perform Salaah, discharge Zakaat, fast in the month of Ramadaan, etc. then a Muslim should comply without raising any objections. Similarly, if we are prohibited from stealing, Zinah, speaking lies, drinking, intoxicants, masturbation, etc. then, as Muslims, we should obey Allah Ta’ala without objecting in any way whatsoever. We shouldn’t question the command of Allah or seek the reasoning behind the rulings of Shariah at any stage, even though there is great wisdom behind every command and prohibition in Shariah. That which was most beneficial for the Ummah, was made obligatory, and that which was most harmful, was made Haraam. If a Muslim understands the above, then he or she will have no reservation in complying with the commands of Almighty Allah.
It is recorded in a narration, “The one that marries the hand (that is, engages in masturbation) is cursed.” The curse of Allah Ta’ala is sufficient to permanently destroy a person. If the curse of Allah strikes while a person is driving, then the worst accident could occur, and as a result, one could be paralyzed for life, making it is a serious matter. Hadrat Saeed Bin Jubair Radiallahu Anhu states, “Allah Ta’ala punished a nation that used to play with their private parts.” Ataa Rahimahullah states that: “I heard that a nation will be resurrected (on the day of Qiyaamah) in a state that their hands will be pregnant, and I think that they used to masturbate.” The entire creation of Allah Ta’ala will be present on the day of Qiyaamah and it will be known that this person engaged in masturbation. Can there be a greater humiliation than that?! [Re:-Ruhul Ma’aani Pg.11 Vol.18 / Surah Mu’minoon Verse 7, Tafseer Mazhari Pg.365 Vol.6 / Surah Mu’minoon Verse 7.]
People that masturbate suffer from various physical illnesses later in their life to the extent that, some perpetually lose their fertility or destroy their marital life due to the harm of masturbation. These are the worldly harms of masturbation. Again, Allah Ta’ala has protected us through His kindness by making masturbation Haraam. It is recorded in Raddul Muhtaar that masturbating with the hand is Haraam when carried out to derive pleasure. However, if an unmarried person masturbates due to being overpowered by lust and desire and not being able to fulfil his needs in a Halaal manner, then there is hope there will be no harm upon him as he is doing so to calm down the strong desire which he is confronted with and to protect himself from Zinah. However, one should keep in mind that Allah Ta’ala is fully aware of one’s intentions and we cannot deceive Him.
If one is watching filth over the internet, or reading filthy books and novels, or casting lustful glances intentionally and such actions lead to masturbation, then such masturbation is Haraam. Yes, if an unmarried person lives a life of purity and Taqwa (staying away from all forms of filth) and is then confronted with uncontrollable desires, then to protect one’s chastity it becomes permissible to masturbate when there is a fear of falling into Zinah. As for married couples, there is absolutely no need to even contemplate masturbation. We do hope that the above explanation clarifies the matter.
(قَوْلُهُ الِاسْتِمْنَاءُ حَرَامٌ) أَيْ بِالْكَفِّ إذَا كَانَ لِاسْتِجْلَابِ الشَّهْوَةِ، أَمَّا إذَا غَلَبَتْهُ الشَّهْوَةُ وَلَيْسَ لَهُ زَوْجَةٌ وَلَا أَمَةٌ فَفَعَلَ ذَلِكَ لِتَسْكِينِهَا فَالرَّجَاءُ أَنَّهُ لَا وَبَالَ عَلَيْهِ كَمَا قَالَهُ أَبُو اللَّيْثِ، وَيَجِبُ لَوْ خَافَ الزِّنَا (الدر المختار ص38 / 42 ج6)
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 16 Rajab 1444 / 07 February 2023