Is ejaculating semen through masturbation less severe than retaining it due to its health harms, and is ghusl obligatory if semen moves internally without exiting?

The questioner is obliged to immediately and sincerely repent from watching pornographic films and from masturbation, due to the religious and health harms that result from them, and to decisively resolve the matter from its root.

The texts of the Sharia have indicated the prohibition of approaching adultery and its مقدمات (preliminaries) and its دواعي (inducements); because of the Almighty's saying: "And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way."

And the saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "The son of Adam's share of adultery has been decreed for him, and he will inevitably realize it. The adultery of the eyes is looking, the adultery of the ears is listening, the adultery of the tongue is speaking, the adultery of the hand is touching, the adultery of the foot is stepping, and the heart desires and wishes, and the private part confirms or denies that."

As for the ruling on performing ghusl (ritual bath) for the transfer of semen without its emission, the majority of jurists hold that it is not obligatory, and this is the preferred view. The Hanbalis, according to the well-known opinion, hold that it is obligatory, and this is more cautious.