Are previous prayers unacceptable because of the practice of masturbation, and will the questioner be rewarded for what afflicted him after repentance, and what should he do regarding marriage and fears of not fulfilling the wife's rights, and should he tell her before or after marriage, and is marriage obligatory for him or is the obligation waived for him?

Masturbation is forbidden, as Al-Shafi'i inferred from the words of Allah Almighty: {And those who guard their private parts Except from their wives or those whom their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors}. Repentance from it is accepted by ceasing the act, regretting it, and resolving not to return to it. It is not among the major sins. Premature ejaculation has many causes and effective treatments. Marriage helps in not returning to this habit, and there is no need to inform the future wife about it, as it is not among the defects that annul the marriage contract. Prayer is accepted, and disobedience does not invalidate obedience. Affliction due to disobedience is its worldly punishment, and repentance lifts the punishment in the Hereafter. What helps in maintaining repentance includes: observing prayers regularly, remembering Allah, occupying time with acts of obedience, keeping good company, and lowering the gaze. It is advisable to hasten marriage and conceal one's past.