Is Masturbation Haram in Islam? A Detailed Exploration by Dr Zakir Naik .Masturbation is a common question asked by many, especially among young people, and often sparks a variety of opinions. Today, I decided to address this question, which has been raised by many individuals. The issue of whether masturbation is haram in Islam is a frequently discussed topic, and it is one that requires a deep understanding of Islamic teachings.
Question 1: Is Masturbation Haram?
A similar question has been asked by Abdul Ghaniyu, who says: “Assalamu Alaikum Dr. Zakir, my name is Abdul Ghaniyu. I would like to know the ruling on masturbation. I traveled and left my family behind for greener pastures for about one and a half years now, and I miss my wife very much. When I call her online for video chat, we sometimes end up masturbating. I would like to know if this is sinful or not?”
Question 2: A Student’s Concern
A third questioner, Habibullah Islam from Assam, India, asks: “Assalamu Alaikum Sir, I am Habibullah Islam from Assam, India. I am a student. Is masturbation haram in Islam? I do this and later regret it. I do tawba, but after some days, I do it again. I can’t find the solution to this problem. I am unhappy with masturbation and what I do.”
The Ruling on Masturbation in Islam
The question of whether masturbation is haram is one that is frequently asked. I have been avoiding answering this question for a while, but today I decided to provide a detailed response.
Regarding the act of masturbation, scholars in Islam have different opinions. The majority of scholars say that masturbation is haram. However, there is also a significant number of scholars who consider it makruh (discouraged), and another large group who say that it is mubah (permissible). I would like to clarify at the outset that while the majority of scholars believe it is haram, there is a large group that considers it makruh, and another group that believes it is mubah. Today, we will discuss these viewpoints, and I will share my own perspective towards the end.
The Majority Opinion: Masturbation is Haram
As far as the jurists (fuqaha) are concerned, scholars from the Shafi’i and Maliki schools of thought almost unanimously agree that masturbation is haram. Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, quotes the verse from Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:5-7) to support this view. The verse says:
- “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 they are the transgressors.”
This verse clearly states that sexual pleasure is only permitted with one’s spouse or what one’s right hand possesses, and anything beyond that is considered a transgression. Imam Shafi’i and others who follow this interpretation argue that masturbation falls under this prohibition.
Alternative Interpretation: Masturbation is Not Included
There is another group of scholars who interpret the verse differently. They argue that the phrase “guard their private parts” refers specifically to sexual intercourse, not other forms of sexual pleasure. According to this interpretation, masturbation does not fall under the prohibition in this verse, as it is not a form of sexual intercourse.
The Hadith of the Prophet (PBUH)
Another argument against masturbation comes from the hadith found in Sahih Bukhari (volume 7, hadith 5066), where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “O young people, whoever has the means to get married should marry, for it will help lower your gaze and guard your modesty. And those who cannot marry should fast, for it will reduce your sexual desire.”
The first group of scholars who consider masturbation haram argue that since the Prophet did not say “masturbate,” it implies that masturbation is not a permissible alternative. They emphasize that fasting is the recommended solution for those who cannot marry.
However, this reasoning is flawed. Just because the Prophet did not mention masturbation does not automatically make it haram. For something to be declared haram, there must be strong evidence from the Quran or a Sahih hadith. The absence of a mention of masturbation in this context does not imply that it is prohibited.
Scholarly Viewpoints: Makruh (Discouraged)
The second group of scholars, which includes Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), believes that masturbation is makruh, meaning it is discouraged but not sinful. Ibn Abbas stated that masturbation is better than fornication, but marriage is the best option. This view suggests that while masturbation is not ideal, it is permissible if it prevents a greater sin like fornication.
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal also held the view that masturbation is makruh but allowed it if it prevented fornication. Scholars who hold this view argue that masturbation should be avoided, but if it prevents a greater sin, it can be permitted.
Mubah (Permissible)
The third group of scholars, including some students of Ibn Abbas, consider masturbation to be mubah, meaning it is permissible without sin. They argue that there is no explicit evidence in the Quran or Sahih Hadith that prohibits masturbation. Therefore, it is permissible for those who engage in it.
Medical Perspective on Masturbation
As a medical doctor, I can tell you that masturbation is a very common activity. Research shows that approximately 95% of males and 80% of females engage in masturbation. While this does not mean that it is normal or ideal, it is certainly a widespread behavior.
There are many myths surrounding masturbation, such as the belief that it causes blindness or nervous problems. However, medical science has debunked these myths. Masturbation, in moderation, does not cause any physical harm. Excessive masturbation, like excessive anything, can lead to problems, but normal masturbation does not cause blindness or nervous issues.
Conclusion: My Opinion on Masturbation
Based on the opinions of the scholars and medical science, I agree more with the second group of scholars who view masturbation as makruh. It is discouraged, but not sinful. There is no strong evidence in the Quran or Sahih Hadith that explicitly prohibits masturbation, and therefore, I place it in the makruh category.
The best course of action is to avoid masturbation. If that is not possible, fasting, as recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is an excellent alternative to help control sexual urges. If fasting is not an option, then masturbation is permissible, but it should not be done excessively. It is important to avoid associating masturbation with haram activities such as watching pornography, as this would make the act haram.
If you struggle with guilt after masturbating, remember that the key is not to let guilt prevent you from doing good deeds. Many Muslims feel guilty about masturbation because they believe it is haram, but this guilt can cause mental distress and affect their religious practices, including prayer and reading the Quran. It is important to understand that, according to the scholars, masturbation is not sinful unless it is excessive or associated with haram activities.
In conclusion, if you are unable to marry and cannot suppress your sexual urges, masturbation is permissible. However, it is best to avoid it, and fasting is the recommended solution. If you must masturbate, do so in moderation and avoid haram activities.
