Is masturbation forbidden?

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did not guide young people to masturbation, but rather to marriage or fasting. Doctors have determined that practicing masturbation leads to physical and psychological harm; it depletes the body's strength, causes depression, distracts from duties, and may lead to committing immoral acts. Whatever is medically harmful is forbidden by religious law, by consensus. The majority of imams view masturbation as forbidden due to the severe harm it causes to nerves, strength, and minds. To get rid of it, it is recommended to marry, eat in moderation, stay away from lust-inducing stimuli, direct the sense of beauty towards permissible areas, choose righteous friends, occupy oneself with worship, integrate into society, avoid extravagance in clothing, avoid sleeping in a luxurious bed, and stay away from mixed gatherings. We advise against paying attention to weak opinions, as the majority holds it to be forbidden. The Hanafis permitted it under specific conditions when necessary, out of fear of falling into fornication, with the intention of breaking the intensity of lust, not for the purpose of attaining pleasure. The Hanbalis explicitly stated its prohibition except out of necessity. This habit gives a deceptive feeling. It is advised to repent to Allah, frequently recite the Quran, fast, and adhere to the aforementioned advice.