What is the ruling on masturbation according to the Four Imams, and is it permissible if it prevents one from falling into fornication or harassing women?

Masturbation is forbidden according to the Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools of thought, and it is considered makruh tahriman (reprehensible to the point of being unlawful) by the Hanafis. Masturbation is permissible in cases where there is a fear of falling into zina (unlawful sexual intercourse) according to the Hanafis, Hanbalis, and Shafi'is. As for the Malikis, they prohibit it even with the fear of zina, unless it is the only way to prevent zina, in which case it is preferred over zina as a choice between the lesser of two evils. The way to control lust is through fasting, guarding one's limbs (senses), and choosing righteous company, not through masturbation.