Prohibition of Masturbation: Complete Guidance from Qur’an and Hadith
Source: Ahkam wa Masail, Vol. 01, in the light of the Qur’an
❖ Question
What guidance do the Qur’an and Hadith provide regarding masturbation?
Is this act prohibited like fornication, or is it permissible, or is it impermissible but allowed in certain situations?
Please explain with Qur’anic verses, Ahadith, and Athar.
❖ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ʿAmma Baʿd!
Masturbation (istimnāʾ bi’l-yad) is not permissible under Islamic teachings in any form. Its prohibition is established from both the Qur’an and the Hadith.
✿ Qur’anic Evidence
Allah ﷻ says:
"وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ لِفُرُوجِهِمْ حَافِظُونَ۔ إِلَّا عَلَىٰ أَزْوَاجِهِمْ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ غَيْرُ مَلُومِينَ۔ فَمَنِ ابْتَغَىٰ وَرَاءَ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْعَادُونَ"
(al-Muʾminūn: 5–7)
Translation:
And those who guard their private parts, except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed they will not be blamed. But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors.
These verses make it clear that believers protect their chastity, and sexual fulfillment is allowed only through one’s spouse or concubine. Any act outside this boundary is transgression, and masturbation falls under these forbidden means.
✿ Prophetic Guidance
ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd (RA) narrates that the Prophet ﷺ said:
"يَا مَعْشَرَ الشَّبَابِ! مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ الْبَاءَةَ فَلْيَتَزَوَّجْ، فَإِنَّهُ أَغَضُّ لِلْبَصَرِ وَأَحْصَنُ لِلْفَرْجِ، وَمَنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَعَلَيْهِ بِالصَّوْمِ، فَإِنَّهُ لَهُ وِجَاءٌ"
(Saḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Saḥīḥ Muslim)
Translation:
O young men! Whoever among you has the means to marry, let him marry, for it lowers the gaze and protects the private parts. And whoever is not able to do so, then he should fast, for fasting will be a shield for him.
In this Hadith, the Prophet ﷺ directed youth towards marriage as the solution for sexual desires, and if unable, then towards fasting. Notably, he never granted permission for masturbation. Had it been permissible, he would have mentioned it.
✿ On Reports of Its Permission
All narrations that are sometimes cited to allow masturbation are weak and unauthentic, and thus not a valid basis for any ruling.
✿ Harms of Masturbation
- Physical harms: bodily weakness, nervous fatigue, and decreased sexual strength.
- Psychological harms: stress, guilt, and social isolation.
- Moral degradation: decline in character and spiritual downfall.
❖ Conclusion
According to Islamic Shariʿah, masturbation is a prohibited act. Allah ﷻ has not granted any allowance for it, nor did the Prophet ﷺ ever guide towards it. Apart from lawful relations with a wife or concubine, all other avenues — including masturbation — are considered forbidden and transgression in light of the Qur’an.
هذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
