Does a young man's imagining of a woman while masturbating constitute zina (fornication/adultery) and thereby prohibit him from marrying her daughter?
It is impermissible for a young man to practice masturbation and imagine having intercourse with a woman, because it is a desire for disobedience. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "And the heart yearns and wishes, and the private part confirms that or denies it." However, this imagination is not considered fornication that would prohibit marriage to the woman's daughter. So, he is permitted to marry her, unless there is an impediment like suckling. We advise the young man to marry to protect his chastity; otherwise, he must fast.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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