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Is it permissible to intentionally release semen in order to lower the gaze from forbidden things, knowing that intentionally releasing semen invalidates the fast?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

A Muslim must lower their gaze from what Allah has forbidden in all circumstances, as Allah Almighty says: "Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do." This is particularly emphasized for the fasting person, who must avoid what invalidates the fast or leads to its invalidation. Masturbation is forbidden, and it is not permissible to engage in it under the pretext of lowering the gaze, for it is like someone treating an alcoholic with alcohol. Ejaculation invalidates fasting and prayer and necessitates ghusl (ritual bath).

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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