This Q&A addresses the issue of masturbation in Islam, particularly during Ramadan, and the implications of engaging in it.
[AR_ID:4771]
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1 Answer
Peace be upon you,
Ayatollah Khamenei:
1) It is forbidden and considered a major sin.
2) Yes, repentance is sufficient, and you are not required to do anything else.
3) Regarding masturbation during Ramadan: If this act occurred while fasting and you were aware that it invalidates the fast, you must make up the fast and pay a compensation. If you were unaware that it invalidates the fast but knew it was forbidden, you must make up the fast and, as a precaution, pay the compensation. If you were unaware of its prohibition, you only need to make up the fast.
- The compensation involves fasting for two consecutive months or feeding sixty needy people - with each person receiving a measure of food. If the breaking of the fast was due to a forbidden act like masturbation or unlawful intercourse, it is recommended to combine both forms of compensation.
Thus, if you are unable to feed the needy, you can fast instead.
Source: Special Inquiry: 1, 2, 3 + Answers to Inquiries, S784.
Ayatollah Sistani:
1) It is one of the most important prohibitions in Islamic law.
2) Yes, repentance is sufficient, and you are not required to do anything else.
3) Regarding masturbation during Ramadan: If you engaged in it believing it would not invalidate your fast, you are not required to pay compensation, regardless of whether you believed it was forbidden or not. If you intentionally engaged in it while knowing it was forbidden, believing - even mistakenly - that it would not invalidate your fast, you are not liable for compensation; knowledge of the obligation to pay compensation is not a requirement.
- The compensation for breaking a fast in Ramadan is a choice between freeing a slave, fasting for two consecutive months, or feeding sixty needy people, with the precaution being to combine all three if the fast was broken due to a forbidden act.
Thus, if you are unable to feed the needy, you can fast instead.
Source: Selected Issues, Issue 24 + Official Website + Minhaj al-Salihin, Vol. 1, Book of Fasting, Chapter 5: Compensation for Fasting + Minhaj al-Salihin, Vol. 1, Issue 1016.
May you be successful in all good.