I consider myself a religious person and I exert myself in the field of Islamic sciences and in my specialty. I am determined to the extent that I can read a whole book in one day and I implement what I learn on myself and my family; Praise be to Allah. Unfortunately, when I see a woman, I do not forget her and I masturbate. Allah granted me much strength, yet I cannot afford to marry. This bad habit sticks to me and I cannot give it up in spite of all my knowledge. Please advise me; may Allah benefit you.

In the Name of Allah and praise be to Him. Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon the Messenger of Allah.

The controversy concerning masturbation is old. There is one narration prohibiting it absolutely after Ibn-Omar, and 'Ataa', one of the followers supports it. Of the four schools of jurisprudence, the Malikites and the Shafi'ites advocate it. Al-Kortoby referred this view to the majority of scholars. They evidenced for their view by the Quranic verses, "And they 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 –" [Al-Mu'minun: 5-7].

Imam al-Shafi'i says in al-Umm, "…It is evident in the verse about guarding their private parts except from their wives or those who their right hands possess, that anything apart from the latters are prohibited. Intercourse is lawful only with the wife and those who the right hand possesses, but masturbation is unlawful. And Allah knows best."

Some say it is prohibited unless one fears for himself from falling into adultery; in that case it is permissible. This is the prevailing view of the school of Hanbalites. The Hanifites opinion is that it is prohibited unless one is overwhelmed by sexual desire and wants to abate it; it then becomes permissible; but if one fears from adultery, then it becomes obligatory. The proof for the opinion of the Hanbalites and Hanifites is the established fundamental jurisprudence rule "The severer harm should be eliminated by the lighter harm" and the fact that in this case it is a necessity and that it shoves away the evil of adultery.

Al-Merdawiy says in his book al-Insaf, "If it (masturbation) is said to be obligatory in that case (fear of adultery and cannot afford to marry a free woman or the price of a bondmaid) it would be analogous to the compelled."

There is a view that regards it as offensive. This is the opinion of Ahmad in one narration and of Ibn-Hazm. Another view is that it is permissible. This is in a narration by Ibn-Abbas, and the view of al-Hassan, Amr Ibn-Dinar, Ziad Abul-Alaa', Abu-ash-Sha'thaa' and Mujahid. The proofs for its offensiveness and its permissibility are the same although the reason it was regarded as offensive is that it is not of the noble manners.

The sexual drive of the youth is excessive and can lead them and the society into big dangers. Abul-Hassan and Ziad Abul-Alaa' said, "They used to do it during wars"; perhaps they are relating this about the companions. This, besides the lack of a clear evidence for prohibition and of harmful effects on health, and the urgent need to abate the sexual desire among many of the youths to protect them and the community, all give the feeling that the preponderant view for masturbation is that it is offensive if there is no need and permissible in case of excessive sexual desire to abate it. It becomes obligatory if it is the only way to protect oneself from committing adultery. And Allah knows best.

However, there are precautions that spare righteous persons from resorting to masturbation and they are better, more proper and pious and preclude uncertainty. Indeed avoiding points of dispute is better and sounder for a believer. Of these precautions is the Prophetic recipe which no one forsakes except one who makes a fool of himself:

1-      Early marriage; the Prophet (PBUH) advised it saying, " 0 young men, those among you who can support a wife should marry, for it restrains eyes (from ogling) and preserves one from immorality; …" [Muslim] So hasten to marry.

2-      Fasting is recommended for those who cannot marry. He (PBUH) says, "… But he who cannot afford it should observe fast for it is a means of controlling the sexual desire."

3-      Staying away from things that cause sexual excitement, such as lustful gaze, watching porno movies and listening to the unlawful, …etc. Allah says, "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." [An-Nur: 30].

4-      Keep yourself busy, seek high ranks and take those that help you to obey Allah as friends. Consider practicing beneficial sports and lawful entertainments. We ask Allah to safeguard Muslim youths and preserve the community from abominations.

Lastly, rest assured that the sins do not waste the good deeds and that upholding to do the good, and above all seeking beneficial knowledge to please Allah will protect you from the evil.

And Allah knows best.