Breaking the Fast Through Masturbation: Qada, Kaffarah and Repentance

Answered by Mufti Naved Akhtar ·

Question

اسلام عليكم ورحمة اللهِ وبركاتُهُ

Mufti sahab i used to masturbate, الحمد لله I have left it now but last year it so happened twice or thrice that i broke my fast by masturbation.

I know i made a huge mistake, now please tell/guide me as to what should i do?

How should i make up the fasts that i broke and also tell me what should i do to connect myself more strongly with Allah ﷻ and the deen.

On another note i also relapse sometimes, could you tell me what should i do to get rid of this sin forever. What steps should i take?

Response

Wa Alaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

In principle, masturbation is impermissible in Islam, and engaging in it while fasting is particularly serious. According to the Hanafi school, if masturbation results in ejaculation, the fast becomes invalid and must be made up. However, if ejaculation does not occur, the fast remains valid, although the act itself remains sinful.

In your case, you must observe one Qada fast for each Ramadan fast invalidated through masturbation. Thus, if you broke two fasts, you must make up two, and if three, then three. If you are genuinely uncertain whether it happened twice or thrice, it would be safer to make up three fasts. Kaffarah is not required in this case; only Qada and sincere repentance are necessary. These Qada fasts may be observed separately and need not be consecutive. Nevertheless, you should endeavour to complete them without unnecessary delay.

As for overcoming this habit, the first and most important step is sincere Tawbah. This requires acknowledging the wrong, feeling genuine remorse, abandoning the sin, and firmly resolving not to return to it. It is encouraging that you have recognised your mistake and wish to reform yourself. Never allow your past sins or occasional relapses to make you despair of Allah's mercy. Allah Ta'ala says:

“Do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.” (Surah al-Zumar, 39:53).

At the same time, repentance must be accompanied by practical efforts to remove the causes leading to the sin. Identify the circumstances that trigger this behaviour and take deliberate steps to avoid them. Stay away from inappropriate online content, guard your gaze, avoid unnecessary isolation, and maintain discipline in your use of digital devices. Strengthen your relationship with Allah through regular Salah, daily recitation of the Qur'an, Dhikr, and beneficial company. Avoid remaining idle or spending long periods alone. When at home, make an effort to spend quality time with your family, and outside the home, seek the company of righteous and practising Muslims. Keep yourself occupied with beneficial activities, and avoid using your phone in private, particularly late at night. Make it a habit to keep your phone away from your bedroom when going to sleep, as this can help reduce unnecessary temptation and prevent relapses.

The Prophet ﷺ also recommended fasting as a means of controlling one's desires for those unable to marry. You should therefore consider voluntary fasting according to your ability, alongside maintaining a productive routine and avoiding unnecessary idleness.

Finally, remember that overcoming an established habit may require patience and consistent effort. If you experience a relapse, do not treat it as a reason to abandon your efforts. Renew your repentance, identify what led to the lapse, and take further precautions. What matters is that you continue sincerely striving towards obedience to Allah rather than becoming accustomed to the sin.

May Allah Ta'ala accept your repentance, grant you steadfastness, and strengthen your connection with Him.

And Allah knows best.

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