Question:
Assalamu Alaikum Sheikh,
I suffer from the disease of masturbation. How can I quit? jazakallah
Answer:
Masturbation is a very common problem in this day and age. One must try his utmost best to refrain from it. The best way to tackle the problem is to get married as soon as possible as this helps protect not only the private parts, but Imaan as well. It is mentioned in a hadith:
“O young people! Whoever can marry should marry, because it helps him lower the gaze and guard the private parts. And whoever is not able to marry should fast as fasting diminishes his sexual urge.”
“When a person gets married he has completed half of his deen. He should fear Allah with regards to the remaining half.”
If marrying is not yet possible, then one way is to fast as prescribed in the hadith above. When one abstains from food this dulls the urges which lead one to sinful acts. You must note that the fast should be observed correctly and not in the fashion we see today. At the time of Suhoor and Iftar eat only how much you need to. And observe fasts very regularly.
Another way is to always keep pious company as much as possible. Insha’allah they will keep you away from such acts. Shaytan can easily attack you when alone or with irreligious people.
You should also remember Allah frequently and think about how Allah is watching you all the time. Insha’allah Allah will make it easy for you.
Read every day after Fajr Salah and frequently:
On a lighter note, keep in mind that although masturbation is wrong and damaging for one’s health, it is not as bad as zina. Zina involves another person as well and therefore it is a major sin.