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The question

What is the ruling on masturbating to avoid fornication in a country where corruption is widespread, given the inability to marry or fast?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

It is not permissible to remain in a place where there is a strong probability of temptation. Whoever fears falling into zina (unlawful sexual intercourse) by not marrying, it is obligatory for him to marry, even if he does not possess sufficient wealth for the woman's rights, but he must inform her of this. A Muslim must resist desires and wean himself off whims. We recommend accompanying the righteous and shunning the wicked, acquiring beneficial knowledge, and being mindful of God's constant watch. If one is faced with the choice between falling into zina or masturbation, then masturbation is the lesser of the two evils.

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

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