Is Masturbation Haram In Islam?
Based on evidence from the Quran and the Sunnah, Islam prohibits masturbation (for both men and women).
Masturbation in Islam: Understanding the Prohibition
Masturbation, the act of self-stimulation of the genitals for sexual pleasure, is a topic of significant debate in Islamic teachings. In this article, we will explore the Islamic perspective on the permissibility of masturbation, its prohibition, and the guidelines provided by Islamic teachings.
The Prohibition of Masturbation in Islamic Jurisprudence
Masturbation (for both men and women) is considered haraam (forbidden) in Islam based on the following evidence:
Prohibition of Masturbation in the Quran
Al-Imam Shafi’i stated that masturbation is forbidden based on the following verses from the Quran (interpretation of the meaning):
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 clear in forbidding all illegal sexual acts (including masturbation) except for the wives or what their right hand possesses.
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The Prohibition of Masturbation in Sunnah
Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of sexual morality and the prohibition of illegal sexual acts. Masturbation is considered a form of sexual immorality and is therefore prohibited in Islam.
Narrated `Abdullah:
We were with the Prophet (ﷺ) while we were young and had no wealth. So Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty (i.e. his private parts from committing illegal sexual intercourse etc.), and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual power.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 5066
The hadeeth commands men who are unable to get married to fast in spite of the difficulty involved and not to engage in masturbation despite how simple it is to do so.
What Will Happen If Someone Masturbated?
God forbid, if someone masturbates, they have to do something about it. They must, above all, turn from this fatal sin. A person who ejaculates and masturbates is considered junub, a ritual impurity that needs to be cleansed during the janabah ritual of ghusl (ritual bathing). As a result, they must carry out the ghusl of janabah if they wish to pray. The concept is that the ghusl of janabah is required to eliminate any type of junub, whether it be from legal or illicit ejaculation.
It should be mentioned that if a person wishes to pray, they are not required to make wudu if they have the ghusl of janabah. Unless their ghusl becomes void, they must make wudu, they must perform salat with the ghusl. Since it is a bid’ah (religious innovation), making wudu while one’s ghusl of janabah has not become void is haram (illegal).
Why Masturbation Is Bad?
A contentious topic, masturbation is frequently regarded as harmful for a variety of reasons. Let’s investigate the causes of these unfavorable opinions and consider how it might affect sexual and mental health.
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Partial Gratification and Emotional Repercussions
Even though having solitary sexual relations can be enjoyable, many people—regardless of their religious beliefs—report feeling guilty afterward. Masturbation is sometimes associated with an incomplete sense of pleasure, which can negatively affect one’s sense of self and self-worth.
Hormonal Disparities: Masturbation vs. Real Sex
The hormonal reaction that results from masturbating is not the same as the response that results from having sex. Studies show that during actual sex, as opposed to masturbating, 400% more prolactin is released. This difference in hormones indicates that sexual activity provides greater satisfaction than doing things alone. In this situation, masturbation can leave people feeling unsatisfied and wanting more, which can continue a vicious cycle of discontent.
Negative Impacts on Close Relationships
Regular masturbation can have negative effects, particularly before getting married or starting a serious relationship. Premature ejaculation (PE) and impotence, commonly referred to as erectile dysfunction (ED), are mentioned as possible consequences. Masturbation addicts may develop a conditioned response to stimuli that are absent in real relationships, which makes it difficult for them to have satisfying sex.
Solution to Stop Masturbating
When a person reaches puberty, Allah endows them—especially men—with a strong sexual drive. There is merit to this desire. It is there to help people go find someone to get married to and start a family. People would go extinct if they lacked this motivation and desire.
Islam thus advocates marriage as the permissible and halal means of gratifying one’s sexual urges. For today’s youth, getting married has become a challenge. People are finding it increasingly difficult to get married due to the increasing number of requirements for marriage. Nonetheless, young people should put in a lot of effort and work hard to meet the requirements for marriage.
Marry off the ˹free˺ singles among you, as well as the righteous of your bondmen and bondwomen. If they are poor, Allah will enrich them out of His bounty. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.
Quran 24:32
They don’t need to be concerned about money. They have Allah’s word that He will support and provide for them. Naturally, this does not imply that they should do nothing but wait for Allah to bless them.
No, they ought to put in a lot of effort to support their family and earn a living. “God helps those who help themselves,” as the saying goes. A person’s decision to continue masturbating after marriage is unacceptable. Islam therefore views marriage as the ideal means of absolving oneself of the immoral act of masturbation and other forbidden sexual practices.
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FAQs
Is masturbation haram in Islam?
Yes, masturbation is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam based on the evidence from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Why is masturbation haram in Islam?
Masturbation is considered haram in Islam because it is a form of sexual immorality and is therefore prohibited.
Can masturbation be forgiven in Islam?
Yes, like any other sin, masturbation can be forgiven in Islam through sincere repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT).
What are the consequences of masturbation in Islam?
Masturbation is considered a sin in Islam, and like any other sin, it can have spiritual and psychological consequences. It can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-esteem.
How can one overcome the habit of masturbation in Islam?
Overcoming the habit of masturbation in Islam requires a combination of spiritual, psychological, and physical efforts. Seeking guidance from qualified scholars, engaging in regular prayer and remembrance of Allah (SWT), and seeking professional help if necessary can all be helpful in overcoming this habit.
Several Strategies for Breaking the Masturbation Habit
Getting married can be difficult for many people for a variety of reasons. What then are their alternatives? They could attempt the following strategies to refrain from indulging in self-gratification:
- Boost the relationship you have with a higher force. Imagine that this force is always present in your life. It may not be pleased if you indulge in self-gratification. This aids in maintaining your focus.
- Keep yourself occupied with worthwhile tasks. Savor your pastimes, such as studying spiritual texts or reading gripping novels. This mental shift can assist in diverting your attention from desires.
- One of the best ways to avoid self-pleasure is to exercise. It keeps you healthy and serves as a great diversion.
- An excellent strategy to stop masturbating is to fast. Intermittent fasting or the Islamic method of fasting will both work. You become more disciplined and your impulsive sexual cravings will subside when you fast.
- Counting the days you don’t masturbate is one of the best ways to keep yourself motivated on your journey to stop masturbating. Restart your counter and try again for another round if you do masturbate. Once you feel that stopping your masturbation has become second nature to you, you can stop counting.
- Try directing your sexual arousal toward something else when you feel energized. For instance, go for a run or perform a few push-ups. One of the five previously listed activities is another option.
- Consider all the advantages that come with abstaining from masturbation. You’ll gain confidence, become more outgoing, make better eye contact, straighten your posture, stop putting things off, feel like you have a purpose in life, and more.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, masturbation is considered haram (forbidden) in Islam based on the evidence from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is considered a form of sexual immorality and is therefore prohibited. Muslims should strive to adhere to the teachings of Islam and seek guidance from qualified scholars to ensure that their actions align with the principles of Islamic morality.
And Allah Knows Best!
