What is the ruling on masturbation, and is ghusl obligatory after ejaculation, and should ghusl be performed immediately or after a period of time?

Masturbation is forbidden by the general consensus of scholars, based on the Almighty's saying: "And those who guard their private parts, Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they will not be blamed - But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors." The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, guided those unable to marry to fasting; had masturbation been permissible, he would have guided them to it due to its ease. Ghusl (ritual bath) is obligatory for anyone who masturbates and from whom semen is discharged, according to the Prophet's saying, peace and blessings be upon him: "Water is only from water." One must repent to Allah for this sin.