Fasting is not just about abstaining from eating and drinking, but also controlling desires and actions that can nullify or reduce the reward of fasting . However, what about the ruling on masturbation while fasting for women?
What is Masturbation and Why is It Forbidden?
According to Islam, masturbation or istimna’ is a prohibited act, especially when fasting.
Masturbation (الاستمناء) refers to the act of stimulating one’s own genitals to achieve sexual satisfaction without having sex with a legal partner.
In Islam, this act is considered contrary to the nature and purpose of fasting.
The Ruling on Masturbation While Fasting According to Islam
Allah SWT says in Surah Al-Mu’minun, verses 5-7:
وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ لِفُروجِهِمْ حَافِظُونَ إِلَّا عَلَىٰ اَزْوَاجِهِمْ اَوْ مَلَكَتْ اَيمَانُهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ غَيْرُ مَلومِينَ فَمَنِ ابْتَغَىٰ وَرَاءَ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُو۟لَٰئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْعَادُونَ
Meaning:“And those who guard their private parts, except for their wives or those whom their right hands possess, then there is no blame on them. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors.”(Surah Al-Mu’minun: 5-7)
It is clear from this verse that Islam only allows sexual satisfaction through a lawful relationship, namely marriage . Therefore, masturbation is included in the prohibited acts.
The Ruling on Masturbation While Fasting for Women, Does It Invalidate the Fast?
According to a fatwa issued by the Federal Territories Mufti Office, the ruling on masturbation while fasting depends on whether a person achieves orgasm or not.
1. If Not Ejaculate
If a woman masturbates but does not reach orgasm or ejaculate, her fast is not invalidated. However, this act is still sinful because it goes against the wisdom of fasting which teaches Muslims to refrain from lust.
2. If Ejaculating
If masturbation causes a person to reach orgasm and ejaculate, his fast is immediately invalidated.
It is obligatory to make up the fast (qada) after Ramadan because orgasm is considered a thing that invalidates the fast, just like eating and drinking.
Arguments and Views of Scholars
Apart from evidence from the Quran, there are also hadiths that emphasize the importance of protecting oneself from useless things while fasting.
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“Whoever does not abandon false speech and actions, then Allah does not need him to abandon his food and drink.”
(Narrated by Bukhari, No. 1903)
This hadith shows that fasting is not just about resisting hunger and thirst, but also maintaining purity of heart and actions.
According to the fatwa of the Federal Territories Mufti Office, masturbation that causes orgasm while fasting invalidates the fast and requires qada’. If one does not reach orgasm, the fast is still valid but still sinful.
What if you are accidentally aroused during fasting?
Sometimes, a person can experience sexual arousal unintentionally, for example through a wet dream or when seeing something that arouses lust.
It does not invalidate the fast because it occurs without control. However, individuals must take a mandatory bath before continuing their worship.
2. Being Horny But Accidentally Masturbates
If you don’t reach orgasm, fasting is still valid but you need to stop the act immediately.
Tips for Avoiding Masturbation While Fasting
If someone is faced with the urge to masturbate while fasting, several steps can be taken to control it:
1. Increase Worship
Keep yourself busy by reading the Quran, doing dhikr and performing sunnah prayers so that your heart will be closer to Allah SWT.
2. Stay Away From Things That Arouse Lust
Avoid watching or reading material that may stimulate sexual desire.
3. Divert Attention
Do beneficial activities such as cooking, exercising or cleaning the house.
4. Pray and Ask for Protection
Ask for help from Allah SWT to strengthen yourself in controlling your desires.
Allah Almighty says:
وَاسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَةِ وَإِنَّهَا لَكَبِيرَةٌ إِلَّا عَلَى الْخَاشِعِينَ
“And seek help (from Allah) through patience and prayer, and indeed that is hard except for the humble.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 45)
In short, masturbation while fasting for women is forbidden and can invalidate the fast if it causes orgasm or ejaculation. If orgasm is not achieved , the fast is still valid but this act is still sinful.
The month of Ramadan is a time to improve yourself and get closer to Allah SWT. Therefore, avoid actions that can ruin the reward of fasting and focus on more beneficial acts of worship.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Malaysia
