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A Ruling Concerning Masturbation
The pressing need to relieve himself of sexual tension may
drive a young man to masturbation.
The majority of scholars consider it haram. Imam Malik bases his judgement
on the verse, Those who guard their sexual organs except with their spouses
or those whom their right hands possess, for (with regard to them) they are
without blame. But those who crave something beyond that are transgressors,
(23:5-7) arguing that the masturbator is one of those who "crave something
beyond that."
On the other hand, it is reported that Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal regarded semen
as an excretion of the body like other excrete and permitted its expulsion
as blood letting is permitted. Ibn Hazm holds the same view. However, the
Hanbali jurists permit masturbation only under two conditions: first, the
fear of committing fornication or adultery, and second, not having the means
to marry.
We are inclined to accept the opinion of Imam Ahmad in a situation in which
there is sexual excitation and danger of committing the haram. For example,
a young man has gone abroad to study or work, thereby encountering many temptations
which he fears he will be unable to resist, may resort to this method of relieving
sexual tension provided he does not do it excessively or make it into a habit.
Yet better than this is the Prophet's advice to the Muslim youth who is unable
to marry, namely, that he seek help through frequent fasting, for fasting
nurtures will-power, teaches control of desires, and strengthens the fear
of Allah. The Prophet (peace be on him) said, Young men, those of you who
can support a wife should marry, for it keeps you from looking at women (lit.,
lowers your gaze) and preserves your chastity; but those who cannot should
fast, for it is a means of cooling sexual passion. (Reported by al-Bukhari.)