Muslim attitudes on masturbation

Some believe that masturbation may possibly only be done in fear of committing adultery, nor is it preferred either getting married and fasting is suggested as alternatives from hadith. Some consider it forbidden in all cases. Scholars of Islam do not approve of masturbation, except in extenuating circumstances. There is a statement in Quran "And those who guard their chastity, Except in the case of their wives or those whom their right hands possess ,- for then, they are free from blame; But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are transgressors. Many scholars are of the opinion that if it was allowed, it would have been explicitly mentioned in the above ayah.

We all have done it, as adolescents and as adults, men and women, and some still do it despite the elder age. The point is that everyone with a few exceptions have done it, at least once in their life, since puberty begun. I perfectly remember my first time: it was between the furry little hands of a brown plush; an adventure companion, in the previous months, that I had to burn that very evening. Jokes aside, at the time I firmly believed that masturbation was forbidden and considered a sinful act, which was the reason for using the plush instead of my hands. I was afraid to be subjected to punishment if discovered.

What is the punishment for masturbation in Islam? Masturbation is Haraam unlawful. This is the ruling of the four Madhaahibs viz. Then whoever seeks beyond that which is lawful , they are the transgressors.

Shuruq Naguib is a lecturer in Islamic studies in the department of politics, philosophy and religion at Lancaster University. She is the co-chair of the British Association for Islamic Studies. He is also an award-winning singer-songwriter and playwright. Abdul-Rehman Malik is a journalist, educator and organiser. He works with young people in exploring Muslim identity through drama and is a speaker on faith issues.