Masturbation In Islam: Sin Or Not?

Masturbation is a contentious topic in Islam, with some scholars deeming it a sin and others stating it is not. Those who believe it is a sin cite evidence from the Quran, including verses that encourage chastity and forbid illegal sexual acts. They argue that masturbation causes physical, mental, and psychological harm and that Muslims who masturbate must seek repentance. However, others, like Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, argue that while masturbation is discouraged, it is not explicitly forbidden in the Quran and therefore should not be considered a sin.

Is masturbation a sin for both men and women in Islam?

Masturbation is considered a sin in Islam, and it is forbidden for both men and women. However, there are differing opinions on the severity of the sin and the conditions under which it is permissible.

Some Islamic scholars consider masturbation to be "haram" or forbidden, citing verses from the Quran, such as Surah Al-Mu'minun 23:5-7, which states that believers should guard their chastity and refrain from illegal sexual acts except with their spouses or those their right hands possess. Additionally, they interpret Surah An-Nur 24:33 as ordering those who cannot afford to marry to remain chaste and avoid temptations like masturbation.

Other scholars argue that while masturbation is discouraged, it is not explicitly mentioned as a sin in the Quran. They point out that there is no verse in the Quran that explicitly prohibits masturbation. Instead, they interpret the Quranic verses as referring specifically to sexual intercourse and not masturbation.

According to some sources, masturbation is permissible in rare situations where an individual has an uncontrollable desire and is unable to marry. Even in such cases, it is only allowed to reduce sexual desire and not for gratification.

The act of masturbation is considered to have negative physical, mental, and psychological effects, including guilt, weakened self-confidence, and a predisposition to certain stimuli that may not exist in real-life relationships. It is also believed to cause physical ailments, such as weak eyesight, a weak nervous system, and back pain.

To overcome the urge to masturbate, individuals are advised to strengthen their relationship with God, keep themselves busy with productive activities, exercise, and fast. Marriage is also recommended as a way to satisfy sexual desires in a lawful manner.

What does the Quran say about masturbation?

The Quran does not mention the word "masturbation" or make any explicit reference to it. This indicates that, as an act, it is not sinful nor prohibited by God. If it were, the Quran would mention it.

However, some scholars interpret the following verses from the Quran as forbidding masturbation:

> {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.} (Al-Muminun 23:5-7)

Here, the verses are interpreted as forbidding all illegal sexual acts (including masturbation) except with a spouse or what the right hand possesses.

Some also use the following ayah as evidence:

> {And let those who find not the financial means for marriage keep themselves chaste, until Allah enriches them of His bounty.} (Al-Nur 24:33)

This verse is interpreted as ordering those who cannot afford to marry to keep themselves chaste and patient in the face of temptation (including masturbation) until they can afford to marry.

Despite the above interpretations, there is no explicit prohibition of masturbation in the Quran. In fact, some scholars argue that masturbation is only prohibited if another person performs the act on someone else, as this would constitute a sexual act with someone other than a spouse or what the right hand possesses.

Overall, while there is debate among scholars, the Quran itself does not explicitly mention or prohibit masturbation.

What does Islamic hadith literature say about masturbation?

Islamic hadith literature is divided on the issue of masturbation. While some hadiths prohibit the act, others permit it in certain circumstances.

Prohibition of Masturbation in the Hadith

Al-Imam Shafi'i stated that masturbation is forbidden based on the following verses from the Quran:

> {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.} (Al-Muminun 23:5-7)

Here, the verses are interpreted as forbidding all illegal sexual acts, including masturbation, except with one's spouse or slaves.

Another ayah used as evidence is:

> {And let those who find not the financial means for marriage keep themselves chaste, until Allah enriches them of His bounty.} (Al-Nur 24:33)

This verse is understood as ordering those who cannot afford to marry to remain chaste and patient in the face of temptations, including masturbation.

Additionally, a hadith reported by Abdullah ibn Mas'ud in Bukhari and Muslim states:

> "O group of youth! Whoever from amongst you can marry should do so because it keeps the gaze low and it protects the private parts. And he who cannot marry should make it compulsory upon himself to fast because it breaks lust." (Bukhari: vol.6, pg.117; Muslim: vol.10, pg.172)

This hadith directs those who cannot marry towards fasting to control their sexual desires, rather than masturbating.

Permissibility of Masturbation in the Hadith

On the other hand, some scholars interpret the absence of explicit prohibition of masturbation in the Quran as evidence that it is not inherently sinful. They argue that if masturbation were forbidden, it would have been mentioned explicitly.

Furthermore, a few hadiths suggest a more permissive attitude towards masturbation. For instance, one hadith attributed to Muhammad's wife, Aisha, states that the Ansar women were not shy about asking questions about sexual matters as long as they were halal.

Additionally, while most jurists throughout history have considered masturbation haram, some have allowed it in specific circumstances. For example, in Hanafi and Hanbali schools of jurisprudence, masturbation is typically prohibited unless one fears falling into adultery or fornication due to extreme sexual desire. In such cases, masturbation is permissible as a lesser evil.

Similarly, some Hanbali jurists excuse those under marital pressure, and Ahmad ibn Hanbal permitted it for prisoners, travellers, and those who struggle to find a lawful spouse.

Moreover, while Shia jurisprudence generally prohibits masturbation, it has been considered permissible as a means of relieving uncontrollable sexual desire, provided there is no lawful alternative.

Practical Advice in the Hadith

Regardless of the differences in opinion on the permissibility of masturbation, the hadith literature offers practical advice for those seeking to avoid or overcome the habit. This includes recommendations such as fasting, lowering one's gaze, keeping oneself busy with virtuous activities, and seeking marriage as a cure for masturbation.

What are the harms of masturbation according to Islamic scholars?

Islamic scholars consider masturbation to be a major sin and thus haram (prohibited) for both men and women. It is believed to cause physical, mental, and psychological harm to the human body. Here are some of the specific harms of masturbation according to Islamic teachings:

Physical Harms

• Weakens the sexual organs and creates looseness.
• Weakens the nerves, affecting the growth of limbs and the outer part of the urethra.
• Leads to seminal inflammation in the testicles, causing premature ejaculation.
• Causes pain in the vertebra column, which can result in crookedness and twisting in the back.
• Weakens the delicate nerves and veins of the sexual organs, leading to sexual impotency.
• Causes excessive loss of sperm through nocturnal emissions.
• Decreases the natural resistance of the body and animal heat, which strengthens the soul and body.
• Weakens the bladder and can lead to involuntary urination.

Psychological and Social Harms

• Excessive masturbation leads to cowardice, nervous agitation, low self-confidence, and social isolation.
• It can become an addiction, with individuals performing it as a habit to satisfy their carnal appetite.
• The awareness of committing a misdeed and the feeling of guilt can cause inner struggle and remorse.
• It can lead to an aversion towards people, cheerlessness in the heart, and a lack of interest in acquiring knowledge.
• It weakens one's self-confidence and self-determination.
• The hormones released after masturbation differ from those released during sexual intercourse, leaving individuals less satisfied and thirstier for more.

Religious Harms

• It is considered a violation of chastity, which is obligatory for Muslims to maintain.
• It can lead to an inability to remain steadfast in one's faith and can distance individuals from their religious practices and friends.
• It can result in a lack of success and guidance from Allah, as sins are believed to be the root of misfortune and vice.

What are the ways to stop masturbating?

While some Islamic scholars consider masturbation a sin, others disagree. However, if you are seeking ways to stop masturbating, here are some suggestions:

• Seek help from a therapist or counsellor, especially one who specialises in sexual health.
• Find a support group.
• Be conscious of Allah watching you and remember that every sin can result in hellfire.
• Fast, as it helps control sexual urges.
• Avoid things that increase sexual urges, such as photos, films, music, songs, and pornography.
• Keep yourself busy with hobbies and spend time with friends and family.
• Exercise self-control by limiting your time alone and wearing extra layers of clothing.
• Try meditation, yoga, or other forms of exercise like weightlifting.
• Improve your skills by taking up a new hobby or discipline.

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