Is sexual thinking and imagining, without using the hand or touching the vulva, considered masturbation, and what is its ruling?

Mere thinking and imagining are not considered masturbation and do not take its ruling. Allah has forgiven the whispers of the soul as long as one does not speak them or act upon them. However, persistence in thinking may lead to committing the forbidden. One should occupy their time with acts of obedience to avoid disobedience, keep away from solitude, lower their gaze, recite the Quran, and associate with righteous women. And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him ease in his affair.