Do Sexual Fantasies Constitute as Masturbation?

Question: Do sexual fantasies constitute as masturbation if there is no physical stimulation?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

Sexual fantasies are not considered masturbation. However, to entertain thoughts of impermissible things such as sexual fantasies (unless the fantasy is regarding one’s spouse) is prohibited as well [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar].

If a sexual thought comes to one’s mind, one is not accountable unless they voluntarily entertain the thought.

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Verily Allah overlooks for my nation that which their selves express, as long as they do not speak of or act on it” [Muslim].

[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a graduate from Tarim; a student of Habib Umar and other luminaries; and authorized teachers of the Qur’an and the Islamic sciences