What is the ruling on masturbating and getting to know women for sexual purposes after marriage, and what can be done to overcome this lust that causes negligence in acts of worship?

Masturbation is forbidden, and it entails harm to its perpetrator. The sin is even greater if the perpetrator is married and has a lawful wife, as he is replacing Allah's blessing with disbelief and seeking what is unlawful. Whoever falls into this sin must repent sincerely and turn to his wife to extinguish his desire. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "If one of you is attracted to a woman and she enters his heart, let him go to his wife and have intercourse with her, for that will repel what he feels within himself." If a person is compelled to masturbate, it should be done by the wife, as it is permissible, though not recommended except out of necessity. One may marry a second wife to protect oneself from sin if the wife is ill or for similar reasons. Neglecting prayer is a consequence of these sins, which blacken the heart and lead to heedlessness. Therefore, one must return to Allah before it is too late.