❖ Ruling on Masturbation in Islam and Practical Ways to Overcome It ❖
What is the Islamic ruling on masturbation? Dr. Zakir Naik and some other scholars say it is merely disliked (Makruh) and not prohibited (Haram). If it is indeed Haram, what are the ways to quit it—especially when someone is addicted?
Masturbation is Haram (forbidden) in Islam. Its prohibition is established through clear evidences from the Qur’an and Hadith.
"وَالَّذِيۡنَ هُمۡ لِفُرُوۡجِهِمۡ حٰفِظُوۡنَۙ اِلَّا عَلٰٓى اَزۡوَاجِهِمۡ اَوۡ مَا مَلَـكَتۡ اَيۡمَانُهُمۡ فَاِنَّهُمۡ غَيۡرُ مَلُوۡمِيۡنَۚ فَمَنِ ابۡتَغٰى وَرَآءَ ذٰ لِكَ فَاُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الۡعٰدُوۡنَ"
(Sūrat al-Mu’minūn: 5–7)
➤ “And those who guard their private parts, except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not blameworthy. But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors.”
This verse clearly proves that any method of sexual gratification outside of marriage or lawful ownership is impermissible and a transgression.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"يَا مَعْشَرَ الشَّبَابِ، مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ الْبَاءَةَ فَلْيَتَزَوَّجْ، فَإِنَّهُ أَغَضُّ لِلْبَصَرِ، وَأَحْصَنُ لِلْفَرْجِ، وَمَنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَعَلَيْهِ بِالصَّوْمِ فَإِنَّهُ لَهُ وِجَاءٌ"
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 5066)
➤ “O young men! Whoever among you can afford to marry, let him do so, for it helps to lower the gaze and guard the private parts. And whoever cannot, let him fast, for it acts as a shield (against desires).”
The fact that the Prophet ﷺ recommended fasting as the alternative to marriage, and never mentioned masturbation as a permissible outlet—even though it’s easy and accessible—shows that it is impermissible.
During that era, people generally did not engage in such vile acts, so there was no need for specific and severe warnings.
Instead, the Prophet ﷺ repeatedly encouraged marriage and recommended fasting to control desires, indicating that masturbation is unlawful.
① Get Married:
The most effective and sustainable solution is to marry.
If marriage is possible, do it as early as you can. Our society must also eliminate unnecessary expenses and obstacles in marriage to help youth avoid such sins.
② Control Your Diet:
Avoid foods that stimulate sexual desires. A balanced and moderate diet helps reduce carnal urges.
③ Observe Fasting:
Make a habit of frequent fasting. It helps to weaken the power of desires.
④ Engage in Physical Activity:
Keep yourself busy with sports and physical exercises. This helps both mentally and physically to reduce unwanted thoughts and urges.
⑤ Use Electronic Devices Responsibly:
Use your computer and mobile in public spaces where others are around. This minimizes the chances of accessing immoral content.
⑥ Strengthen Your Connection with Allah:
Wake up early and pray Tahajjud, and sincerely supplicate to Allah. Admit your weaknesses and seek His help in overcoming them.
⑦ Consult a Psychologist if Necessary:
If the addiction is severe and cannot be managed with self-discipline alone, seek guidance from a qualified psychologist for appropriate treatment.
✿ Masturbation is prohibited in Islam based on clear proofs from the Qur’an and Hadith.
✿ To overcome this sin, one should strive for marriage, fasting, physical activity, controlled diet, sincere prayers, and if needed, professional psychological help.
✿ Constantly seek Allah's help and make a sincere effort for self-reformation.
❖ Question:
What is the Islamic ruling on masturbation? Dr. Zakir Naik and some other scholars say it is merely disliked (Makruh) and not prohibited (Haram). If it is indeed Haram, what are the ways to quit it—especially when someone is addicted?
❖ Answer by the Honorable Scholar Ḥāfiẓ Khizr Ḥayāt (حفظه الله):
✦ The Shar‘i Ruling on Masturbation:
Masturbation is Haram (forbidden) in Islam. Its prohibition is established through clear evidences from the Qur’an and Hadith.
❖ Qur’anic Evidence:
"وَالَّذِيۡنَ هُمۡ لِفُرُوۡجِهِمۡ حٰفِظُوۡنَۙ اِلَّا عَلٰٓى اَزۡوَاجِهِمۡ اَوۡ مَا مَلَـكَتۡ اَيۡمَانُهُمۡ فَاِنَّهُمۡ غَيۡرُ مَلُوۡمِيۡنَۚ فَمَنِ ابۡتَغٰى وَرَآءَ ذٰ لِكَ فَاُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الۡعٰدُوۡنَ"
(Sūrat al-Mu’minūn: 5–7)
➤ “And those who guard their private parts, except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not blameworthy. But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors.”
This verse clearly proves that any method of sexual gratification outside of marriage or lawful ownership is impermissible and a transgression.
❖ Prophetic Evidence:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"يَا مَعْشَرَ الشَّبَابِ، مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ الْبَاءَةَ فَلْيَتَزَوَّجْ، فَإِنَّهُ أَغَضُّ لِلْبَصَرِ، وَأَحْصَنُ لِلْفَرْجِ، وَمَنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَعَلَيْهِ بِالصَّوْمِ فَإِنَّهُ لَهُ وِجَاءٌ"
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 5066)
➤ “O young men! Whoever among you can afford to marry, let him do so, for it helps to lower the gaze and guard the private parts. And whoever cannot, let him fast, for it acts as a shield (against desires).”
The fact that the Prophet ﷺ recommended fasting as the alternative to marriage, and never mentioned masturbation as a permissible outlet—even though it’s easy and accessible—shows that it is impermissible.
❖ Why is Masturbation Not Explicitly Mentioned in Hadith?
During that era, people generally did not engage in such vile acts, so there was no need for specific and severe warnings.
Instead, the Prophet ﷺ repeatedly encouraged marriage and recommended fasting to control desires, indicating that masturbation is unlawful.
✦ Practical Steps to Overcome Addiction to Masturbation:
① Get Married:
The most effective and sustainable solution is to marry.
If marriage is possible, do it as early as you can. Our society must also eliminate unnecessary expenses and obstacles in marriage to help youth avoid such sins.
② Control Your Diet:
Avoid foods that stimulate sexual desires. A balanced and moderate diet helps reduce carnal urges.
③ Observe Fasting:
Make a habit of frequent fasting. It helps to weaken the power of desires.
④ Engage in Physical Activity:
Keep yourself busy with sports and physical exercises. This helps both mentally and physically to reduce unwanted thoughts and urges.
⑤ Use Electronic Devices Responsibly:
Use your computer and mobile in public spaces where others are around. This minimizes the chances of accessing immoral content.
⑥ Strengthen Your Connection with Allah:
Wake up early and pray Tahajjud, and sincerely supplicate to Allah. Admit your weaknesses and seek His help in overcoming them.
⑦ Consult a Psychologist if Necessary:
If the addiction is severe and cannot be managed with self-discipline alone, seek guidance from a qualified psychologist for appropriate treatment.
❖ Summary:
✿ Masturbation is prohibited in Islam based on clear proofs from the Qur’an and Hadith.
✿ To overcome this sin, one should strive for marriage, fasting, physical activity, controlled diet, sincere prayers, and if needed, professional psychological help.
✿ Constantly seek Allah's help and make a sincere effort for self-reformation.
