Is Expiation Required for Masturbating While Fasting?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question

A while ago, I was addicted to getting orgasms by thinking of or watching haram things.  I believe I did this while fasting on some days over the past few years.  I didn’t know these acts would break my fast until recently.  To make up for those days, must I pay expiation or do I simply make up the fasts?

Answer

I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.

No, expiation is not required for this. Rather one would simply be required to make the fast up (qada’). [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah; ‘Ala al-Din ‘Abidin, al-Hadiyya al-‘Ala’iyya]

However, such sins require repentance. These are the days of mercy and forgiveness, seek Allah in them.

Please see:
A Reader on Tawba (Repentance)
A Reader on Pornography and Masturbation

And Allah alone gives success.

Wassalam,
[Ustadh] Tabraze Azam
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani