A Re-examination of the Prohibitive Arguments for Masturbation in Jurisprudential Schools

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Assistant Professor, Department of Comparative Law and Jurisprudence, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran

Abstract

Masturbation, which is considered to be any act, other than sexual intercourse with someone other than one's spouse, that leads to the release of semen from a person, is an issue that, due to the increasing factors of sexual arousal such as obscene films, and the differing opinions of medical researchers regarding its benefits and harms, requires thorough legal and jurisprudential review. According to the consensus of the Shia scholars and the majority of current Sunni scholars, masturbation is prohibited (haram). However, some Hanafi, Hanbali, and Zahiri scholars have permitted it. This research concludes that based on a reliable narration in the commentary of Qomi, the verses of the Qur'an do not indicate the prohibition of this act. However, after examining the work and author of the Qomi commentary, it is concluded that verses 5, 6, and 7 of Surah Al-Mu’minun imply the prohibition of masturbation. Among the narrations that support the prohibition, only the trustworthy narration from Ammar was valid, but its interpretation was contested. On the other hand, some reports, despite having weak chains of transmission, suggest the permissibility of this act. Additionally, since consensus on the prohibition of masturbation is considered a legal proof, many contemporary scholars regard this consensus as unreliable. However, according to some contemporary jurists, accepting the validity of consensus and its strength in some cases, acting contrary to the consensus and the famous fatwa, especially the understanding of early scholars from the sources, is contrary to caution. Finally, by acknowledging the validity of the consensus on the prohibition of this act and confirming the indications of the aforementioned verses supporting the prohibition, the prohibition of masturbation is substantiated.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Fiqh
Volume 31, Issue 0
September 2024
Pages 103-136

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History

  • Receive Date: 19 May 2024
  • Revise Date: 13 August 2024
  • Accept Date: 05 February 2025

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