In Islamic jurisprudence, rulings generally apply to both men and women unless there is a specific text differentiating between them. Therefore, the discussions about masturbation apply to both genders.
I think it’s okay to begin by stating the obvious and saying that Islamic teachings highly value modesty and inner spiritual purity for both men and women. ِAnd for women, in particular, there is an additional strong emphasis on haya.
And when it comes to intimate matters, Islam is very strict about chastity, and fulfilling desires within the boundaries of marriage. But where does masturbation fit into this framework?
Can Women Masturbate in Islam?
No, women CANNOT masturbate in Islam. The majority of Islamic scholars consider masturbation to be haram (forbidden) for both men and women.
1. Quranic Verses that Implicitly Prohibit Masturbation
This ruling is based on the interpretation of the following Quranic verse in Surah Al-Muminun (23:5-7), which decrees the necessity of chastity and restricts sexual acts to the marital relationship.
“And those 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.”
Scholars interpret the phrase “whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors” as encompassing any form of sexual gratification outside of marriage. They argue that masturbation falls under “seeking beyond” the permissible boundaries outlined in the verse.
Also, some scholars draw an analogy between masturbation and other forbidden acts, like looking at sexually provocative images or engaging in other forms of sexual stimulation outside of marriage.
There is another verse that doesn’t directly talk about masturbation, but it does stress how Islam values self-control and seeking fulfillment through lawful means.
“And let those who find not the means for marriage keep themselves chaste until Allah enriches them out of His grace.”
Similarly, both men and women are commanded to lower their gaze and protect their chastity in
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity…”.
2. A Hadith That Implicitly Prohibits Masturbation
Some scholars point to the Prophetic tradition (Hadith) where the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) advised young men who cannot afford marriage to fast as a way to control their desires.
The Messenger of Allah said:
“Whoever among you can afford to get married, let him do so, and whoever cannot afford it should fast, for it will be a restraint (Wija) for him.”
This advice implies that fasting is the permissible alternative to marriage for managing sexual urges, rather than masturbation.
3. Permissibility in Extreme Circumstances
However, we should point out that there’s an exception to this religious ruling. For clarity and honesty, we have to mention that in certain, very specific circumstances, masturbation is permitted.
If a situation occurs, or a woman is so overwhelmed by sexual desire that she is on the brink of committing adultery – meaning that the circumstances and temptations to commit adultery are actually present, not just a theoretical possibility or a thought – and the woman is close to engaging in unlawful intercourse, then, based on the principle that necessities can override prohibitions, Imam Ahmad allowed the person to masturbate in this extreme case. This is justified as choosing the lesser of two harms in order to prevent the greater one.
Also, If advised by a trustworthy Muslim doctor for therapeutic purposes (e.g., to alleviate certain medical conditions), it may be permissible.
Final Thoughts
To our sister, if you are unmarried and experiencing sexual urges, prioritize seeking marriage. Marriage is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the ideal outlet for sexual expression in Islam.
Engage in acts of worship such as prayer (Salah), fasting (Sawm), reading Quran, and making Dhikr (remembrance of Allah). These practices can help strengthen your willpower and redirect your focus.
And if you are struggling with compulsive behavior or addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help from a therapist or counselor, preferably one who is sensitive to Islamic values.
Finally, if you have made mistakes, do not dispair in the mercy of Allah, do sincere repentence. Allah Says:
“Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah . Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.”
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