Ruling on Masturbation During Fasting and Explanation of Kaffārah
Source: Ahkam wa Masail, Vol. 01, in the light of the Qur’an
❖ Question
Does masturbation break the fast? And if it does, what is the kaffārah for it? Kindly provide a complete answer to guide the questioner.
❖ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ʿAmma Baʿd!
✿ Sharʿi Status of Masturbation
- Masturbation (i.e., ejaculating by hand) is a ḥarām act in Islam.
- It is a violation of the commands of Allah ﷻ, and thus must be avoided in all circumstances.
✿ Effect of Masturbation on Fasting
➊ If ejaculation occurs through masturbation:
- The fast becomes invalid.
- Because intentionally causing ejaculation during fasting invalidates the fast.
➋ If masturbation occurs without ejaculation:
- The fast does not break.
- However, committing this sinful act requires sincere repentance to Allah ﷻ.
✿ Kaffārah When the Fast Breaks
- If ejaculation occurs through masturbation and the fast is invalidated:
- Only qaḍāʾ (making up that fast) is obligatory.
- Kaffārah is not required.
- Kaffārah is specifically prescribed for sexual intercourse (jīmāʿ) during fasting, not for masturbation.
✿ Reliable Fatwa
This same ruling is issued by al-Lajnah ad-Dāʾimah lil-Buḥūth al-ʿIlmiyyah wa’l-Iftāʾ, Saudi Arabia:
“Kaffārah applies only to intercourse (jīmāʿ). In the case of masturbation, only qaḍāʾ is obligatory.”
هذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
