Is It OK for Me To Masturbate To Avoid Zina?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

Is it OK for me to masturbate to avoid having sex due to my high sexual urge?

Answer

Thank you for your honest question.

It is not permissible for you to masturbate in order to avoid fornication. The effect is counter-productive. Masturbation causes one to desire the action more than ever; it does not get rid of one’s desires by any means.

Instead, do as the Prophet advised us, may Allah bless him and give him peace, “O young men, whoever among you can afford it, let him get married, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and guarding chastity, and whoever cannot then he should fast, for it will be a restraint for him.“ This is the best way to reduce your sexual urge, I guarantee it.

Please read the following links about how to stop masturbating and the steps to take to end this destructive habit. If you are not doing it, thank Allah, and continue on the path of patience and fasting. If you are, intend to cease immediately and make repentance (tawba). Anything that you leave for the sake of Allah, Allah will certainly send you something better.

Masturbation and Marriage
Is Masturbation Sinful? How Do I Stop?
Is Marriage the Solution to My Masturbation Problem?

Wassalam,
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani 

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafseer and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterwards, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.