Is the Occurrence of Nocturnal Emission Resulting from Conjuring Sexual Images Considered Masturbation?
Answered by Shaykh Muhammad Carr
Question
I lay on my stomach after Fajr and started envisioning sexual scenarios in my mind. Consequently, I ejaculated, even though I was in a state between wakefulness and sleep. Is this considered masturbation, and is it impermissible?
ِAnswer
Thank you for your question.
Conjuring sexual images in your mind is not equivalent to masturbation. However, it is highly reprehensible to entertain sexual thoughts involving women. Some scholars believe it to be impermissible.
Masturbation
Masturbation is defined as inducing ejaculation in an attempt to satisfy one’s desires through means other than intimacy with one’s own or another’s hand. [Shirbini, Mughni al-Muhtaj]
Envisioning sexual scenarios in one’s mind thus falls outside the ambit of masturbation. It is akin to nocturnal emission and shares many of its rulings.
Conjuring Sexual Images
Imam Haddad states, “It is highly reprehensible to entertain thoughts about women in a way that fosters a desire towards them. Those who face such trials and cannot overcome them through worship should consider marriage. He should fast if that is not feasible, as it can help curb these desires.” [Haddad, Risalat al-Mu‘awana]
Qadi Husayn, on the other hand, believes that entertaining thoughts about women is impermissible (haram). He says, “It is impermissible to reflect on what is impermissible to look at” [Ibn Hajar, Al-Fatawa al-Kubra]
Thoughts
Allah (Most High) has overlooked our evil thoughts. He will not punish us if we do not articulate or practice it. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Allah, the Most High, has forgiven my Umma for whatever enters the mind, so long as it is not spoken of or put into action.”
Thoughts do, however, impact our actions. We should do our utmost to repel negative thoughts. Ibn Qayyim said, “Repel the thought, for if you don’t, it becomes an idea. So repel the idea; if you don’t, it will become a desire. So fight against that [desire], for if you don’t, it will become a determination and a passion.” [Ibn Qayyim, Fawa’id]
For practical steps on how to overcome these thoughts, please click here.
I pray this is of benefit and Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Muhammad Carr
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Muhammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Muhammad Carr has dedicated his life to studying and transmitting our beautiful deen. His studies have taken him around the globe, where he has benefitted from many luminaries. Under the guidance of his teachers – Shaykh Taha Karan, Shaykh Yaseen Abbas, Shaykh Muadh Ali, and many others – Shaykh Muhammad has grown to appreciate the beauty and benefits of diverse scholarship. He completed his memorization of the Qur’an at Dar al-Ulum Zakariyyah in September 1997 and received an Alimiyya Degree in 2006 from DUAI (Darul Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah). He is also affiliated with Masjid Auwal in Bo Kaap, Cape Town (the oldest mosque in South Africa), where he serves as a co-imam, and Dar Al-Safa, where he has taught since 2018. As a teacher, he imparts the wisdom of our heritage and tradition by opening the door for students. As an imam, he has the unique opportunity to serve his community in daily life.
In addition to his roles as a teacher and imam, Shaykh Muhammad Carr has contributed significantly to the administrative and advisory aspects of Islamic institutions. Since 2023, he has served as the Administrative Director at The Imam Kurani Institute, contributing to the institution’s growth and development. He continues to pursue traditional Islamic Sciences, possessing a keen interest in Islamic Contract Law and Finance. Shaykh Muhammad has been a Shari’ah Board Member for Islamic Asset Management & Insurance Companies since 2001, aligning financial practices with Islamic principles.
