Is it permissible to masturbate while watching videos on the internet to relieve stress, based on a fatwa by Ibn 'Uthaymeen, considering it the lesser of two evils, due to an inability to interact normally with people and perform acts of worship?
Watching pornographic films is forbidden and a clear abomination. They arouse lust, not treat it, and it is impermissible to resort to pretexts to justify them. As for masturbation, it has been permitted in some cases for those who fear harm to themselves from intense lust, as was reported from Ibn ‘Uthaymeen.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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