Q13: Masturbation and how to control it

Question:

I regularly travel and, due to my naffs, I sometimes go out of control, towards zina, but to avoid this I use the way of masturbation. I want to know what the sin is and how I can avoid this situation.

Answer:

Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala has created mankind with the qualities of lust and sexual desire, yet he has commanded us to refrain from fornication etc. Allah Ta’ala has stated:

And do not even go near fornication. It is truly an indecent act and the worst of ways. (Quran 17:32)

Also, Allah Ta’ala has mentioned in the Quran that it is one of the qualities of a believer that he safeguards his private parts from sin:

And who safeguard their private organs (Quran 23:5)

Ibn Katheer Rahmatullahi Alaihi has stated a hadith that on the Day of Judgement there will be seven types of people at whom Allah will neither look nor will he cleanse them nor will he group them with the worshippers and he will enter them into the Fire first, unless they repent. From amongst them he has mentioned one who masturbates.

Ibn Katheer has classed this narration as ghareeb. In Roohul Ma’aani Allamah Aaloosee Rahmatullahi Alaihi mentions a hadith that states that such a person is cursed:

However, this is not an authentic narration. Even then, this supports the meaning of the abovementioned verse.

Although masturbation is very much abhorred in Shari’ah, it is the lesser evil of adultery. Adultery is haram as it is clearly shown in the Quran and authentic Ahadith. Masturbation does not hold the same status as zina. Also, there is a difference of opinion among the Imams of Fiqh regarding the ruling of masturbation. Imam Shafi’ee Rahmatullahi Alaihi says that it is haram because of the verses:

Ibn Jurayj relates from ‘Ataa’ that he said it is Makrooh.

The Maliki school of thought is of the opinion that it is haram:

Imam Ahmad has two opinions: one that it is permissible according to necessity; and the other that it is haram:

In the Hanafi school of thought, it is said that masturbation is haram when done to fulfil ones sexual desire. However, if the sexual urge is too overpowering and he is not married and he masturbates to calm his urge then there is hope that he will escape chastisement.

However, our beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam has mentioned a cure for one who has trouble controlling his sexual desires.

“O young people! Whoever can marry should marry, because it helps him lower the gaze and guard the private parts. And whoever is not able to marry should fast as fasting diminishes his sexual urge.”

Therefore, you should try your utmost best not to masturbate. Firstly, you should try to take your wife with you on your journey if possible. This way, you may fulfil your desires in a halal manner. If it isn’t possible then there are certain ways that help to control the matter. One way is to fast as prescribed in the hadith above. When one abstains from food this dulls the urges which lead one to sinful acts. You must note that the fast should be observed correctly and not in the fashion we see today. At the time of Suhoor and Iftar eat only how much you need to.

Another way is to always keep pious company throughout the journey if possible. Insha’allah they will keep you away from such acts. Shaytan can easily attack you when alone or with irreligious people.

You should also remember Allah frequently and think about how Allah is watching you all the time. Insha’allah Allah will make it easy for you.