Understanding the Ruling, Impacts, and the Call to Chastity in Light of Islamic Teachings
Many Muslims, especially youth, struggle with questions around self-control, especially in a hyper-sexualized world. One of the most commonly asked questions is: Is masturbation (العادة السرية) haram in Islam? Let’s dive deep into the Islamic perspective based on authentic sources, opinions of scholars, and the wisdom behind these rulings.
1. Islamic Ruling on Masturbation (العادة السرية)
Masturbation (الاستمناء) is defined as the deliberate release of semen for pleasure without engaging in lawful intimacy with one’s spouse. This could involve using one’s hand or any other object.
Is it Haram for Those Who Are Not in Dire Need?
According to the majority of scholars (Malikis, Shafi’is, Hanbalis, and one narration from the Hanafis), masturbation is haram (forbidden) for those who are not in fear of falling into adultery or fornication.
Their evidence includes the verse:
﴿وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ لِفُرُوجِهِمْ حَافِظُونَ، إِلَّا عَلَىٰ أَزْوَاجِهِمْ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ غَيْرُ مَلُومِينَ، فَمَنِ ابْتَغَىٰ وَرَاءَ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْعَادُونَ﴾
“And those who guard their private parts, except from their wives or those their right hands possess—for indeed, they are not to be blamed. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors.”
— Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:5–7)
Imam Ahmad, in one narration, held it to be disliked (makruh) rather than strictly haram if not done out of necessity. The Hanafi school also considers it prohibitively disliked (makruh tahrimi).
What If Someone Fears Falling into Zina (Adultery)?
- Permissible (Hanafi & Hanbali View): If a person fears falling into zina, it is allowed as a lesser evil.
- Still Forbidden (Maliki & Shafi’i View): Even in this case, it remains haram. The individual is encouraged to fast and seek alternatives for controlling desires.
Islam offers fasting as a solution to control desires, as the Prophet ﷺ advised:
“O young people, whoever among you can marry, should marry… and whoever cannot should fast, for it will be a restraint (wija) for him.”
— (Bukhari and Muslim)
🚫 When It’s the Only Way to Avoid Zina
In this situation:
- Hanafis, Shafi’is, and Hanbalis allow it as a last resort.
- Malikis still consider it haram but say it may be done if it’s the lesser of two harms, choosing it over zina.
✋ Masturbating with a Spouse’s Hand
- Most scholars (Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali, and a view from the Hanafis) permit it. A spouse is a lawful source of intimacy.
- However, some scholars considered it disliked due to concerns about moderation and avoiding excess.
2. Physical and Spiritual Effects of Masturbation
🛁 Does It Require Ghusl (Major Ritual Purity)?
Yes, by consensus:
- If semen is released with pleasure and force, ghusl is required.
- Some schools (like the Shafi’is and one narration from Imam Ahmad) require ghusl even without force or pleasure.
- If semen moves internally but doesn’t exit, ghusl is not required—this is the majority view.
🌙 Effect on Fasting
Masturbation breaks the fast according to all major schools:
- Hanafis, Malikis, Shafi’is, and Hanbalis all agree that ejaculation through self-stimulation nullifies the fast and requires making up (qada’).
- Some schools also require expiation (kaffarah) if the act was done deliberately during Ramadan.
🕋 Effect on Hajj and Umrah
- Hanafis, Shafi’is, Hanbalis: Hajj is valid but requires a penalty (dam) for masturbation.
- Malikis: Masturbation invalidates Hajj if done deliberately, even if out of forgetfulness or ignorance.
- The same ruling applies for Umrah across schools.
- Continuous lustful looking or thinking can invalidate Hajj according to the Maliki school.
3. Chastity in Islam: The Higher Goal
Islam isn’t just about prohibitions. It gives practical steps, moral wisdom, and spiritual purpose. Chastity (العفة) is highly praised in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
﴿قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا فُرُوجَهُمْ ذَٰلِكَ أَزْكَىٰ لَهُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ﴾
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is All-Aware of what they do.”
— Surah An-Nur (24:30)
﴿وَلْيَسْتَعْفِفِ الَّذِينَ لَا يَجِدُونَ نِكَاحًا حَتَّىٰ يُغْنِيَهُمُ اللَّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِ﴾
“And let those who do not find the means to marry keep themselves chaste until Allah enriches them from His bounty.”
— Surah An-Nur (24:33)
﴿لِلْفُقَرَاءِ … لَا يَسْأَلُونَ النَّاسَ إِلْحَافًا﴾
“…They do not beg from people persistently.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:273)
And the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Three people have a right to be helped by Allah: the one who strives in Allah’s cause, the one who wants to pay off his slavery contract, and the one who seeks marriage to protect his chastity.”
— (Tirmidhi 1655 – Hasan)
🌱 A Soft Word of Encouragement
Struggling with desires is not a sign of weakness—it’s part of the test of life. Islam acknowledges this and provides both spiritual and practical tools to navigate it. Fasting, lowering the gaze, seeking marriage, and being part of a supportive learning environment all help.
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