What is the ruling on masturbation and what is its general expiation? And what is its expiation if it is practiced by a woman on the last day of her menstruation? And does a woman who practices it lose the characteristic of those who guard their chastity and is she considered an adulteress?

Masturbation is forbidden, and it entails many harms. Its expiation is sincere repentance. Its حرمة (prohibition) does not increase during menstruation, unless the woman directly handles an impurity.

Masturbation is not zina (fornication/adultery) in the real sense that necessitates a hadd punishment; rather, it is zina in a metaphorical sense. Imam Al-Shafi'i inferred its prohibition from a verse in Surat Al-Mu'minun, and one who masturbates may fall outside the description of those who guard their private parts. However, whoever repents, Allah accepts their repentance.

One must be cautious of anything that incites lust and strive to preserve chastity.