Masturbation While Fasting & Physical Contact Limits (Asna al-Matalib Analysis)

In performing the worship of fasting (al-Ṣawm), a believer is required not only to restrain from hunger and thirst, but also to control lust. The essence of fasting is al-Imsāk, a mechanism of total self-control from everything that invalidates it from the dawn until sunset.

In this modern era, various important questions have arisen regarding the limits of physical interaction that do not reach the level of marital relations (sexual intercourse), but have the potential to invalidate the fast. One discussion that is often asked about is the law of masturbation while fasting or, in fiqh terminology, is called istimna’.

Does this activity carry the same legal consequences as sexual intercourse (jimak)? What if it occurs through interaction with a lawful spouse?

To answer this problematic issue scientifically and authentically, we will refer to the explanation in the book Asna al-Matalib Syarh Rawd at-Talib (Volume 1, page 414), a monumental work by Shaykh al-Islam Zakariyya al-Anshari. This study aims to establish matters of Sharia objectively so that the validity of our worship is maintained.

Definition and the Essence of Masturbation in Fiqh

Before delving into the legal aspects, we need to understand the operational definition of the terms discussed. In the terminology of Fiqh as explained in the book Asna al-Matalib, Istimna’ is defined as the effort to ejaculate (inzāl) without engaging in sexual intercourse (jimak).

This book details that the action encompasses two methods:

1. Fundamentally Ḥarām Ways: Such as a person attempting to ejaculate semen with his own hand (bi yadihi).
2. Ways That Are Not Fundamentally Ḥarām: Such as the effort to ejaculate with the assistance of one’s wife’s hand (bi yadi zaujatihi).

This second point is often a grey area for laypeople. While caressing one’s wife is fundamentally permissible outside of fasting times, if this activity is done during the day in Ramadan with the intention or consequence of ejaculation, its legal status changes.

The Law of Masturbation (Istimna’) During the Day of Ramadan

Based on references from Asna al-Matalib, the fuqaha have established a firm ruling regarding this activity. Performing istimna’ or masturbation during the day in Ramadan is an act that invalidates the fast, provided that two main elements are met simultaneously.

The two essential elements of invalidation are:

1. The Element of Intent (‘Amdan): The perpetrator performs the activity consciously and intentionally, not due to forgetfulness or coercion.
2. Occurrence of Ejaculation (Inzāl): This activity genuinely results in the emission of seminal fluid.

If a person makes an effort to stimulate themselves but does not ejaculate, then their fast remains valid according to Fiqh law. Nevertheless, they have committed an undesirable or even Ḥarām (forbidden) act (depending on the method) that can significantly reduce the reward of the fast. However, if semen is emitted as a result of that intentional act, then their fast is immediately invalidated.

The following is the original wording from the book Asna al-Matalib which serves as the legal basis for this:

قوله : ( والاستمناء ) وهو إخراج المني بغير جماع محرما كان كإخراجه بيده أو غير محرم كإخراجه بيد زوجته …

“(And it is invalidated by *istimna’*) namely, the emission of semen without sexual intercourse, whether through a *ḥarām* manner such as emitting it with one’s own hand, or a non-*ḥarām* manner such as emitting it with his wife’s hand…”

Read the study on The Law of Sexual Intercourse at Dawn During Ramadan for further understanding.

Expanding the Meaning: Physical Contact and Kissing as Triggers

The Fiqh study in Asna al-Matalib does not stop only at direct manual activity. Shaykh Zakariyya al-Anshari expands the scope of discussion to other activities that trigger (wasilah) the emission of semen.

This is very relevant for married couples regarding the limits of physical touch while fasting. Even without the intention of masturbation, intense physical interaction can lead to inzāl. This book affirms that the emission of semen caused by direct physical contact (mubāsyarah) or kissing also invalidates the fast.

… قوله : ( ولو بلمس وقبلة ) بلا حائل

“… (even if [the emission of semen is caused] by touching and kissing) without an obstruction.”

From the above text, we can draw several crucial legal points:

1. Mubasyarah (Direct Skin-to-Skin Contact)

Mubāsyarah is the meeting of skin with skin between a man and a woman without a fabric barrier (ḥā’il). If a husband embraces or touches his wife directly with lust, and as a result of that touch he ejaculates, then his fast is broken. This is because direct touch accompanied by lust is considered a strong trigger for inzāl.

2. Qublah (Kissing)

Similarly, with kissing. If the kiss is done with lust (passion) and results in the emission of semen, then the ruling is the same: it invalidates the fast. This serves as a warning for us to take preventative measures (sadd al-dharī‘ah) when interacting with a spouse during the day of Ramadan in order to maintain the integrity of worship.

Sufi Perspective: Maintaining Inner Adab

As a complement to the study of outward Fiqh, the Sufi perspective teaches us to maintain inner etiquette. Fasting is not merely about fulfilling an obligation, but a means to attain the station of piety (maqām).

Engaging in activities that approach Allah’s prohibitions, such as istimna’ or excessive intimacy during the day of fasting, demonstrates a weakness in murāqabah (the feeling of being watched by Allah).

A servant who is in a state of “Iḥrām” (Consecration) fasting should occupy themselves with remembrance (dhikr) and righteous deeds, not indulging in carnal desires that have the potential to ruin their worship. Avoiding doubtful matters (syubhat) and things that potentially invalidate the fast is a manifestation of the quality of wara’ (caution) which is highly recommended in Islam.

FAQ: Questions About Istimna’ and Touch During Fasting

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding this topic, answered based on the principles outlined above:

Conclusion

Based on a study of the book Asna al-Matalib, the ruling on masturbation (istimna’) during the day in Ramadan is invalidating the fast if done intentionally and results in the emission of semen.

This law also applies to the emission of seminal fluid caused by direct physical contact or kissing accompanied by lust. Therefore, a believer is required to always be vigilant and protect themselves from all triggers of lust for the perfection of their fasting worship before Allah ﷻ.

And Allah knows best [regarding the right answer].