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The majority of scholars have concluded that masturbation is haram. The main basis for such a ruling is 23:5-7
Those who guard their sexual organs except with their spouses or those whom their right hands posses, for they are without blame. But those who crave something beyond that are transgressors.
According to scholars those who masturbate would be those who are craving something beyond which is permitted in wives and right hand possesssions. They would be transgressing the boundries which Allah has given His servants in this aya to release their sexual desire.
The Prophet pbuh is reported to have said: Young men, those of you who can support a wife should marry, for it lowers your gaze and preserves your chastity; but those who cannot should fast, for it is a means of cooling sexual passion <Bukhari>
The Prophet pbuh is also reported to have said : Among those whom Allah will not look at on the Day of Resurrection, and to whom He will say, "Enter the Fire along with those who enter," the Prophet (pbuh) counted the following: The active and the passive partners in homosexuality; the one who has sex with animals; the one who is married to a woman and her daughter at the same time; and the one who masturbates regularly, unless they repent and reform. <Tirmidhi>
Scholars have concluded that if masturbation were permitted Muhammad pbuh would have stated so. However he directed the person to fast instead of giving him an option of masturbation.
It is reported that Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal regarded semen as an excretion of the body like other excreta and permitted its expulsion as blood letting is permitted. This view is also held by Ibn Hazm. (1) According to Hanbali jurists masturbation is permitted if one fears that not doing so would lead to fornication or adultery (2), this view is also held by some Hanafi jurists (3). Hanbali jurists also allow another condition of permission which is if a man does not have a means to marry. (4) However according to Ad al Rahman al Juzayri this view is weak and it should not be relied upon. (5)
According to Yusuf Al Qaradawi "We are inclined to accept the opinion of Imam Ahmad in a situation where there is sexual excitation and danger of committing the haram. For example, a young man has gone abroad to study or work, thereby encountering many temptations which he fears he will be unable to resist, may resort to this method of relieving sexual tension provided he does not do it excessively or make it into a habit." (6)
Dr. Ageel An Nashmi states "No doubt that fulfilling sexual appetites by way of masturbation contradicts the way described by Allah. However, some scholars said masturbation is permissible if it is used as a solution for a pressing and irresistible sexual drive that might impel the Muslim to commit adultery. In this case, they argued, masturbation becomes an allowable way of relieving sexual tension. They based their ruling on the juristic principle that says: 'necessity renders the forbidden permissible.' However one should say that masturbation is not permissible for everyone, but it is a specific ruling for a specific situation." (7)
There are others however who do hold different views Abu Saud states :"There is no authentic text prohibiting masturbation, although it is reprehensible on account of two man factors: It leads to sexual arousal and more desire, and it actually affects the health, especially for boys. Sex is like any other natural instinct in that the more you think of it, the more it is accentuated. Generally speaking, humans sublimate and administer their instincts. We want to possess, but we work and earn; we want to eat, but we control our eating habits: and we want to have sex, but we marry." (8)
Those who have emailed us have generally wanted to know how to stop masturbating. Many find themselves establishing a habit of sexual release of masturbation and are unable to control their urges. Wanting to avoid this act all together but finding it difficult to actually do so. What follows are personal suggestions which may or may not help. If one finds that they are addicted to masturbation it is best to seek professional help, something which we are unable to give here.
The first thing one should do is increase the amount of fasting days. If you find that you masturbate more on certain days than others than start fasting those days. For example, you find yourself masturbating more on the weekends when you have free time than days during the week. Your first step should be fasting on the weekends.
If you find that listening to certain music or watching certain programs leads you to masturbate than no longer indulge in such things. I will not argue if music and tv is haram at this point, however certain lyrics and programs may bring one to think of sex and be excited from such thoughts. It would be important to eliminate such sources that have such an affect. For example, instead of watching baywatch turn your tv dial to something educational which has no sexual connotation. Better yet, choose to watch a video on Islam, or play a cd of Quranic recitation, thus bringing to rememberance Allah and you will be more apt not to partake in masturbation.
It may be certain times of the day which you find yourself masturbating more. It may be better at these times to surround yourself with other people. Instead of seeking to be alone, try going to the mosque or have someone over your house to talk to. Make sure the person that you seek company from is one of good character that will bring benefit to you.
Some things that may help exceptionally well is when you feel the desire to masturbate is to make wudu and pray voluntary raka'at. Seeking the aid of Allah to take away your sexual urges. Or try reading Qur'an bringing into rememberance of Allah who is All Knowing and All Seeing. Such constant rememberance may help reduce if not stop you from partaking in such indulgences.
For women who are menstruating (menstruation does increase the sexual desires for many women this is natural) and cant pray or touch Qur'an. You can try making dua and dhikr during these times to help your desires. Again seeking the aid of Allah to curb your desires.
For many it is finding the source of what makes your sexual desires stronger and either trying to eliminate them or limit them severely. It is also good to remember Allah much which will bring about a certain level of shame from partaking in masturbation. You will have to find what best works for you in your personal situations. And with everything else seek the guidance of Allah to aid you in your plight.
If you have found something which has worked for you that we have not included, please email us so we can share it with others here (of course no mention of who sent in the suggestion).
Sources:
1. The Lawful and the Prohibited by Yusuf Al Qaradawi 2. The Lawful and the Prohibited by Yusuf Al Qaradawi 3. Abortion, Birth Control and Surrogate Parenting by Abul Fadl Mohsin Ebrahim 4. The Lawful and the Prohibited by Yusuf Al Qaradawi 5. Abortion, Birth Control and Surrogate Parenting by Abul Fadl Mohsin Ebrahim 6. The Lawful and the Prohibited by Yusuf Al Qaradawi 7. Al Jumuah vol 13 issue 7 8. Sex Education: An Islamic Perspective Edited by Shahid Athar, M.D.
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