What is the ruling on a widow masturbating for fear of falling into the unlawful, especially if it is at infrequent intervals and sometimes requires some stimulants, and she cannot remarry?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Masturbation is forbidden in Islamic law. However, if a person fears falling into adultery and is faced with one of two paths: either adultery or masturbation, the latter is lesser in sin, because committing the lesser of two harms is a legitimate legal principle. As for exposing oneself to provocations, it is forbidden and must be avoided.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/134059
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 134059
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy