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Is a married man, who fears falling into sin, permitted by Islamic law to marry a second or third wife to curb his desires, knowing that he does not wish to destroy his first home? What is the ruling on his practicing masturbation in this situation? Is it permissible for him to marry a Christian woman who displays her adornments (mutabarrijah) without informing his two wives?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

A feeling or practice does not necessarily indicate a psychological illness; it may be normal. If you fear it is, consult specialists.

Masturbation is forbidden and repulsive. Its prohibition is stricter for a married person, and he must repent and abstain from it.

If one wife is not enough to keep you chaste, you should marry a second. However, if you fear family disintegration and choose patience, foregoing marriage and doing what keeps you chaste, then you may do so. The mere feeling that marrying a second wife might lead to marrying a third should not prevent you from marrying a second if you are in need. There is no shame in marrying a third or fourth wife if you are capable of being just. It is advisable to stay away from lust-arousing stimuli.

Marriage to a woman of the People of the Book (Jewish or Christian) is permissible provided she is chaste. However, it is preferable not to marry her, and marrying a righteous Muslim woman is better. The wife's knowledge of the marriage is not a condition for its validity.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

Read the full answer on Ftawy