How Can I Repent From Masturbation?
Answered by Shaykh Jamir Meah
Question
I am struggling to leave masturbation. I want to repent, I know it’s a grave sin but I can’t. Do you have any advice for me?
Answer
I pray you’re well insha’Allah.
Dear brother, do not despair of Allah’s Mercy. Allah Most High loves to forgive, even when the same sin is repeated over and over again.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “A person committed a sin and said, ‘My Lord, I have sinned. Forgive me.’ His Lord said, ‘Is My slave acknowledging that he has a Lord Who forgives sins and punishes for them? I have forgiven My slave.’ Then as much time passed as Allah willed, then he committed a sin and said, ‘My Lord, I have sinned, forgive me.’ His Lord said: ‘Is My slave acknowledging that he has a Lord Who forgives sins and punishes for them? I have forgiven My slave.’ Then as much time passed as Allah willed, then he committed a sin and said, ‘My Lord, I have sinned, forgive me.’ His Lord said, ‘Is My slave acknowledging that he has a Lord Who forgives sins and punishes for them? I have forgiven My slave.’” [Muslim]
Therefore, even if a person sins repeatedly, repenting each time, he will be forgiven. However, this is on the condition that he repents sincerely, regrets his wrongdoing, and resolves that he will not return to the sin. If he falls into sin again, then he does the same.
Addiction
Masturbation is an addiction, and like all addictions, one needs to work hard to free themselves of it. While it may offer pleasure in the very short term, in the long run, it will bring ill health, physically and psychologically, and in matters of the spirit. It may also affect your marital life once you do marry. Don’t let that happen.
Please view the answers below which include practical advice on how to stop, and further useful information:
A Reader on Pornography and Masturbation
Is Masturbation Sinful? How Do I Stop?
Supplications for Stopping Masturbation
Is Expiation Required for Masturbating While Fasting?
I pray Allah gives you the strength and resolve to overcome this. We will keep you in our prayers insha’Allah.
Warmest salams,
[Shaykh] Jamir Meah
Shaykh Jamir Meah grew up in Hampstead, London. In 2007, he traveled to Tarim, Yemen, where he spent nine years studying the Islamic sciences on a one-to-one basis under the foremost scholars of the Ribaat, Tarim, with a main specialization and focus on Shafi’i fiqh. In early 2016, he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continues advanced studies in a range of Islamic sciences, as well as teaching. Jamir is a qualified homeopath.
