Does Masturbation Break Fast? Let’s Find Out!
Masturbation is haram according to most scholars especially if it happens during Ramadan. If there is ejaculation, the breach of the sanctity of the fast is even more severe. So, does masturbation break fast? A person should not only avoid masturbation but should not even have any sexual thoughts, as he or she needs to be involved in worshipping and gaining redemption. Masturbation during Ramadan breaks the fast, based on the Hadith a Muslim gives up eating, drinking, and engaging in sexual activity for the sake of Allah. The Prophet’s statement of “sexual desire” after “eating and drinking” is proof that it violates the fast if one does engage in masturbation during Ramadan. From the time ejaculation occurs, the fast breaks, but the person should still continue it. It is not recommended for him to stop fasting, because of the sanctity of Ramadan. Introduction The second most severe sin that violates the fast is masturbation. From the hadith of Prophet Muhammad, “Prophet said that Allah subhanwatala said ‘all the deeds of the son of Adam are for himself except for fasting it is for me and I will reward it. The person he abstains from eating, drinking, and his desires for my sake.” So when a person masturbates maybe by touching his wife or due to any other reason, it breaks the fast. He has to repent to Allah subhanwatala and finish that day of fasting and he should recompense for this fast. So, does masturbation break fast? According to the adherents of the Hanafi School of Fiqh, masturbation does not break the fast if there is no ejaculation; however if someone masturbates while fasting and ejaculation occurs, his or her fasting is broken and they have to make up for that day. Does masturbation break your fast? Touching with hands does not break fast unless semen is discharged. If that happens, fast is broken and needs to be made up.” The answer to – “Does masturbation break fast?” is that if ejaculation happens because of stimulation of any part of the body, the fast is broken and needs to be compensated. The Journey of Abdullah during fasting: Abdullah was a young man who recently adopted the Islamic culture, and he was devoted to observing Ramadan. Having learnt about the rules and benefits of fasting, he saw it as a chance to strengthen his connection to Allah and maintain self-discipline. However, he was struggling for a long time with an old habit—masturbation which he used to do regularly before adopting Islam. As Ramadan came close, Abdullah decided to keep away from anything that could reduce the spiritual reward of fasting. He submerged himself in prayer and Quran recitation. For the first couple of days, he felt strong and could resist his temptations. However, one night, after a tiring day, he found himself unable to resist his urges and ended up masturbating while fasting. The next morning, he woke up with a guilty feeling and was uncertain whether his fast had been broken. He didn’t know if it required a kaffara (expiation) or if repentance would be enough. Reluctant to discuss the matter openly with anyone, he looked for answers through Islamic texts. Abdullah understood that masturbation during fasting breaks the fast, however, there are small differences in judgments regarding expiation. In the Maliki school, he found that deliberately ejaculating semen (mani) during fasting required both compensating for the fast (qadha) and paying kaffara which involves fasting for 60 consecutive days, and feeding 60 poor people. He also learned about the discharge of pre-cum (madhy) which would require cleaning the penis, and repenting if it was caused intentionally. Pre-cum ejaculation does not need a full ghusl (ritual bath), but it still breaks the fast if voluntary actions like touching cause it. This learning helped Abdullah differentiate between acts and their consequences, guiding him toward repentance and self-control. While exploring, he also studied the Hanafi school of thought, which also says that masturbation breaks the fast. However, it requires only compensating without performing an additional kaffara. This realization reduced some of Abdullah’s anxiety, but he was determined to repent for his actions. Steps Taken to Change To avoid repeating his mistake, Abdullah took advice from some scholars: He fasted more often, not only during Ramadan, but, also as a means of controlling his temptations. He began reciting “Surah At-Tariq” every day, seeking divine allowance in facing his struggles. He minimized his consumption of rich, tasty foods, especially during suhoor and iftar. -He avoided unnecessary touching of his private area, except for basic hygiene. Abdullah understood that his struggle while challenging, was part of his journey toward self-discipline and devotion. He repented, made up for the fast he had broken, and decided to donate food for 60 poor people as kaffara. He realized that gaining knowledge and repentance are key factors of growth in faith. During Ramadan, Abdullah became more attentive, finding strength in prayer. He learned that while mistakes do occur, what matters is bending down to Allah with humility and aiming to improve. By the end of the month, Abdullah felt more connected to his Creator and resolved to overcome his challenges. Effects of Masturbation on Fasting Fasting during the time of Ramadan is a holy act of worship in Islam, which has strict rules such as refraining from food, drink, and sexual activity from dawn until sunset. Masturbation, being a conscious act of sexual satisfaction, is considered a breach of the fasting state if it causes ejaculation. Here are some of its effects on fasting: Masturbation during fasting breaks the fast, as it opposes the nature of self-restraint required during Ramadan. A person who masturbates while fasting must compensate (qadha) for the broken fast by performing it on another day. In some Islamic schools of thought, such as the Maliki school, intended ejaculation during fasting needs kaffara which means fasting for 60 straight days, providing for 60 poor people, or freeing a Muslim slave. Pre-cum (madhy) also violates the fast
