beyond that.” That is, beyond wives and those whom their right hands possess. Whoever seeks to attain pleasure without guarding his private parts, seeking what lies beyond that, then “they are the transgressors.” [al-Mu’minun 23:5–7] A transgressor is one who exceeds the limits, and this indicates that it is unlawful.

This is also indicated by the Prophet’s saying: “O young men, whoever among you is able to marry should marry, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and guarding chastity. Whoever is unable to do so should fast, for it will diminish his desire.” (1) The point of evidence in this is his saying: “Whoever is unable to do so should fast.” Had this practice—masturbation—been permissible, the Prophet would have directed people to it, since it is easier than fasting, especially for young men; and because it is more convenient, and a person derives some pleasure from it. Thus, it combines two factors that would warrant permissibility, were it lawful: ease and pleasure. Fasting involves hardship and contains no pleasure. Had this been permissible, the Prophet would have chosen it and directed people to it, since it would have accorded with the spirit of Islam had it been permissible. Thus, the hadith is evidence that it is prohibited.

One may also cite the saying of Allah, Exalted is He: “Let those who do not find the means to marry remain chaste until Allah enriches them from His bounty.” [al-Nur 24:33] The imperative in “let them remain chaste” indicates this. However, someone may object here, saying: What is meant is that they should remain chaste from unlawful sexual intercourse; in that case, the verse would not constitute evidence.