Does touching the private parts when feeling aroused constitute masturbation, necessitating ghusl, given that a light, viscous fluid may or may not be discharged?
A Muslim is not permitted to practice masturbation, based on the Almighty's saying: "And those who guard their private parts Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they will not be blamed But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors." If one performs it and semen is discharged, then ghusl (full ritual bath) is required. If madhy (pre-seminal fluid) is discharged, then it is necessary to wash the affected area and cleanse whatever impurity has touched it, and perform wudu' (ablution) for prayer. If nothing is discharged, then there is no ritual purity requirement. One is advised to fear Allah and stay away from sexual provocations. As for those who are unable to marry, they should fast and occupy themselves with what benefits them in religious and worldly matters.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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