Masturbation is categorically prohibited in Islam. Allah Ta’ala clearly states in Surah Nur,
And those who guard their private parts, 
except from their wives or their slave girls. They are not to be blamed.
However, those who seek (sexual pleasure) beyond that are transgressors. [Mu’minoon:5-7]
Majority of leading Mufassireen and Fuqaha have clearly declared the impermissibility of masturbation under this verse.
Scholarly Commentary
Ibn Kathir (Rahimahullah) writes:
Imam Shafi’i (Rahimahullah) and others derive proof from this verse, stating:“The disgraceful act of masturbation is not included among the two lawful options mentioned. Hence, those who seek pleasure beyond these are transgressors.” [1]
Allama Alusi (Rahimahullah) in Ruh al-Ma’ani under this verse writes:
And there is a difference of opinion also on the issue of masturbation. The majority of the Ulama are of the view of its prohibition. Masturbation is included in the verse “and those that seek (sexual pleasure) beyond that…” … this Ayah proves the prohibition (of masturbation) in the most emphasized manner. [2]
Saeed ibn Jubayr (Rahimahullah) narrates:
عذب الله تعالى أمة كانوا يعبثون بمذاكيرهم
Allah will punish those who fondle with their private parts. [3]
Aata (Rahimahullah) narrates,
سمعت قوما يحشرون وأيديهم حبالى وأظن أنهم الذين يستمنون بأيديهم والله تعالى أعلم
“I have heard that A nation will be resurrected such that their hands will be pregnant. I believe they are the ones that masturbate. And Allah Knows Best.” [4]
Imam Qurutbi (Rahimahullah), in his Tafsir in Surah Al-Mu’minun, writes under the words:
“Muhammad ibn al-Hakm says that he heard Harmalata ibn Abdul-Aziz saying that he asked Imam Malik (Rahimahumallah) regarding masturbation. Imam Malik recited:
And those who guard their private parts, except from their wives or their slave girls. They are not to be blamed. However, those who seek (sexual pleasure) beyond that are transgressors. [Mu’minoon:5-6]
The majority of Ulama view it as impermissible. It is a sin introduced and promoted by Shaytaan, and it leads to physical harm. [5]
Summary
In short, masturbation is comprehensively prohibited in Shariah—for both men and women. Islam recognizes the natural urge to fulfil carnal desires but provides lawful, dignified avenues for doing so. It is therefore essential to acknowledge that masturbation is Haraam, despite claims of permissibility by certain modern, pseudo-scholars. Such claims lack academic credibility and deviate from the consensus of the majority.
Beyond its prohibition, masturbation also causes significant physical and psychological harm.
Masturbation and porn addiction
Masturbation is often accompanied by pornography consumption. The digital age has unleashed a flood of pornographic material, ensnaring young and old alike. Many become addicted to the dopamine rush triggered by viewing porn, living out fantasies—often depraved—through these means.
Scientific studies reveal that the brain under the influence of porn behaves similarly to one under alcohol. The pleasure-reward circuit releases hormones during masturbation to porn, just as it does with alcohol consumption. The danger lies in the cycle: the brain craves more, builds tolerance, and demands increasingly extreme stimuli to achieve the same effect. This desensitisation fuels disturbing fetishes and fantasies (think Epstein files), leading to deeper addiction. Some researchers even classify porn addiction as a mental disorder.
This is perhaps the gravest harm of masturbation and pornography. Our beloved Nabi ﷺ warned:
إِذَا لَمْ تَسْتَحْيِ فَاصْنَعْ مَا شِئْتَ
When you do not have modesty, then you can do as you please. [Bukhari:3483]
Modesty is the barrier between an upright individual and indulgence in filth. Once modesty is lost, a person follows every desire of the Nafs without restraint. Pornography shatters this barrier, eroding natural inhibitions. As a result, lawful intimacy with one’s spouse no longer satisfies. Many husbands today prefer porn and self-pleasure over genuine marital intimacy. Countless wives have written to Ulama, lamenting the depraved acts they are coerced into. Marriages collapse, intimacy becomes a nightmare, and sacred bonds are destroyed. Pornography and masturbation are chief culprits in this devastation. (Mirqaat 8:3173).
To be continued Insha’ Allah.
[1] (Ibn Kathir 3:226)
[2] Ruhul Ma’ani 9:213-214
[3] IBID
[4] IBID
[5] Qurtubi 12:107