What is the ruling on masturbation and reading sexual stories, and does watching pornography carry the same ruling if one refrains from the first two?

These actions are forbidden, and one must strive against their soul to stay away from them. Among the things that help with this are supplication, hastening to marry, or fasting for those who cannot; due to the saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "O young people, whoever among you can afford to marry, let him do so, for it helps him lower his gaze and guard his chastity. And whoever cannot afford to marry, let him fast, for it will be a shield for him."

Furthermore, one must frequently reflect upon the texts of encouragement and deterrence, and sense God's constant watchfulness and His knowledge of what emanates from His servant; due to His saying, the Almighty: "Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do." Lowering the gaze and guarding one's private parts are purer, cleaner, and better because deeds are purified thereby.