Masturbation is generally haram (prohibited) in Islam, as the practice goes against the sanctity of sexual relations within the marital bond. But what happens in the case of married couples? Can they engage in self-stimulation or mutual stimulation for sexual pleasure?
As per Islamic Sharia, it is not permitted for individuals to derive sexual pleasure from their own bodies through masturbation, whether they are married or not.
However, within the bounds of marriage, mutual stimulation is allowed. That means married couples can stimulate each other using hands or other body parts but should avoid any acts that go beyond lawful boundaries.
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We will discuss the Sharia perspective on masturbation after marriage in Islam in detail, which will help us understand the concept better.
Sharia Perspective on Masturbation After Marriage in Islam
Islamic Sharia provides the following guidelines about masturbation after marriage:
- Prohibition of masturbation after marriage
- Exception for spousal intimacy
1. Prohibition of Masturbation after Marriage
The prohibition against masturbation after marriage in Islam is firmly established in Sharia law. According to Islamic principles, sexual pleasure should only be sought within the confines of a marital relationship.
Masturbation is considered a form of self-stimulation and is generally deemed haram or forbidden in Islam. This prohibition is derived from Quranic verses and hadiths that emphasize the sanctity of chastity and the restriction of sexual relations to the marital bond. In Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:5-7), Allah states:
“Those who guard their chastity, except with their wives or those ˹bondwomen˺ in their possession, for then they are free from blame, but whoever seeks beyond that are the transgressors;”
These verses are interpreted to mean that sexual relations are permissible only within the confines of marriage, and any form of sexual pleasure derived outside of this context is considered a transgression. Therefore, masturbation, being a form of self-stimulation, is generally deemed as haram even after marriage.
Islamic teachings encourage spouses to seek lawful means to fulfill their sexual needs, promoting a healthy and permissible outlet for desires. Overall, the prohibition against masturbation after marriage reflects the Islamic emphasis on maintaining a fulfilling sexual relationship within the boundaries set by Shariah.
From a physical perspective, excessive masturbation can also lead to several health problems. These may include fatigue due to the draining of vital nutrients from the body and a weakened immune system, as the body’s resources are redirected towards reproductive processes.
In addition, this can lead to a weakening of the nervous system responsible for controlling sexual arousal. In severe cases, overindulgence can lead to sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.
So, every Muslim should strive to maintain a healthy and moderate sexual lifestyle within the confines of marriage, as prescribed by Islamic teachings.
2. Exception for Spousal Intimacy
While masturbation is considered forbidden, there are exceptions made for spousal intimacy within the bounds of marriage. Islamic Sharia allows married couples to enjoy each other’s bodies, provided that such enjoyment does not cause harm.
Due to this, the marital relationship is viewed as a sacred and permissible space for sexual expression. It is specifically permitted in the Quran for spouses to engage in sexual relations.
This includes a variety of permissible forms of stimulation, involving not only genital intercourse but also other aspects of physical intimacy. The emphasis is on mutual consent and pleasure within the confines of the marital relationship.
It is permissible for a wife to stimulate her husband and for a husband to stimulate his wife. The reasoning behind this is to ensure that the lawful means of satisfying sexual desires are sought within the confines of marriage, creating a safe space for such needs.
This allowance is meant to strengthen the bond between spouses and maintain a fulfilling sexual relationship within the framework of Islamic principles.
In cases where a husband may be unable to satisfy his wife sexually, it’s suggested that he stimulates his wife instead of her self-stimulating. This recommendation aligns with the overarching principle of seeking lawful means to fulfill one’s sexual needs within the institution of marriage.
What steps should you take if you have already engaged in masturbation?
If you find yourself in a situation where you have already engaged in masturbation, it’s essential to acknowledge your mistake and seek forgiveness from Allah. Take responsibility for your actions, and with genuine remorse, turn to Allah in prayer and ask for His mercy and forgiveness.
You should commit sincerely to avoid repeating the mistake in the future and engage in extra acts of worship to demonstrate your repentance. Seek guidance from knowledgeable religious figures or counselors, and remember that Allah is merciful.
The key is to repent and strive to improve your actions moving forward genuinely. Remember, seeking forgiveness is fundamental to Islamic principles; we all make mistakes.
Enjoy Your Relationship in a Lawful Way and Stay Away From Masturbation
The exploration of masturbation after marriage in Islam reveals a clear prohibition in Shariah, emphasizing the sanctity of sexual relationships within marriage.
Islamic teachings underline the significance of seeking lawful means for fulfilling sexual needs, encouraging marriage as a permissible and healthy means of fulfilling sexual needs.
While spousal intimacy is permitted, any act that goes beyond lawful boundaries is cautioned against. Adhering to Islamic principles, seeking forgiveness, and striving for improvement are central tenets for those who may have engaged in masturbation.
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Sources:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/halal-and-haram/is-masturbation-still-unlawful-after-marriage/
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/193320/can-a-wife-masturbate-iif-husband-cannot-satisfy-her-desire
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