Is it permissible to watch pornography to overcome sexual repression, based on the rule of "committing the lesser of two evils" instead of falling into adultery or madness?
My advice to the young man who watches pornography, for his treatment, is to fear Allah and know that this is an adornment from Satan. Watching these films is a cause for the arousal of lust, not a cure. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, guided young people who are unable to marry to fast in order to curb lust, saying: "O young men, whoever among you can afford to marry, let him do so, for it helps him lower his gaze and guard his chastity. And whoever cannot afford to marry, let him fast, for it will be a shield for him." Obedience to Allah, remembering Him, and reciting the Qur’an bring fear and awe to the heart. As for the rule "committing the lesser of two harms," it does not apply here, because what he considered a lesser harm is a means to committing a greater harm, such as adultery.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/50677