Masturbation

Q: Scholars who don't allow masturbation as adopting lesser of the two evils like to avoid zina when there is real fear, do these scholars consider masturbation and zina equal in sin, when only done to avoid zina. What's their stance like many Maliki scholars and Shafi?

A: 

1. To save oneself from falling into sins, Shariat has commanded one to get married. If one does not have the means to get married, then he is commanded to fast. Masturbation has not been presented as the solution to save oneself from sin. Rather, this itself is regarded as a sin. 

2. Obviously, masturbation is not equal to zina in sin.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)