Is it permissible for an unmarried young man to masturbate when he reaches the peak of sexual need, given his inability to marry and his commitment to prayer and religious obligations, despite the severe psychological impact this has on him?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The ruling on masturbation is that it is forbidden, based on the Almighty's saying: "And those who guard their private parts Except from their wives or those whom their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors." And whoever is unable to marry should fast frequently, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "O young men, whoever among you can afford to marry, let him do so, for it is more lowering of the gaze and more protective of the private parts. And whoever cannot afford it, let him fast, for it will be a shield for him."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/90656
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 90656
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy