Is masturbation permissible or forbidden for a twice-divorced woman who suffers from hormonal imbalances and whose circumstances prevent her from marrying, and refraining from it causes her severe physical pain?
Masturbation is forbidden, but some jurists have permitted it when a person fears for their religion or body, on the principle of committing the lesser of two evils. Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah permitted masturbation for those who are compelled to it for fear of fornication (zina) or illness. Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen mentioned that the need that permits masturbation is of two types: a religious need, in that a person fears for themselves from fornication, and a bodily need, in that a person fears harm to their body if this excess is not expelled. If the retention of fluid causes severe pain in the uterus and ovaries, then there is no harm in masturbating to avert harm, while being cautious not to habituate oneself to it, and avoiding everything that incites lust.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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