What is the ruling on masturbation among the imams in the case of inability to marry, and what should a girl do if she cannot marry currently for several reasons and fears falling into the forbidden?

The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not guide young people to masturbation; rather, he guided them to marriage or fasting. Doctors have confirmed that masturbation leads to physical and psychological harm. The majority of imams consider masturbation (by hand) forbidden due to the severe harm it entails. To get rid of this habit, it is advised to hasten to marriage, be moderate in eating and drinking, avoid everything that arouses desire, direct the sense of beauty towards permissible areas, choose righteous friends, occupy oneself with worship, integrate into society, avoid excessive luxury, not sleep in an overly comfortable bed, and stay away from mixed gatherings. The Hanafis consider it originally forbidden, and permissible only in cases of extreme necessity to avoid zina (fornication/adultery) without intending pleasure. The Hanbali madhhab (school of thought) regards it as forbidden and subject to ta'zir (discretionary punishment) unless there is a necessity. This habit causes a deceptive feeling and leads to delusions. Therefore, sincere repentance, drawing closer to Allah through acts of worship, and resisting the nafs (self/desires) are advised, along with following the aforementioned recommendations and relying on Allah for facilitating marriage.