What is the Islamic ruling on the secret habit?

Shaykh Bali begins with the answer of Imam Ash-Shafi'i (may Allah have mercy on him) — the basic ruling is haram. But he does not hide a different view of Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) either.

How the question comes

The question came directly — what is the Islamic ruling on what we call the “secret habit”?

The Shaykh says — when Imam Ash-Shafi'i (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked about this, he called it haram, and gave as evidence verses 5 to 7 of Surah Al-Mu'minun.

In those verses Allah says — the believers protect their private parts; and those who seek a path beyond the limits set by Allah are the transgressors.

The Shaykh says that to this is added what medical science says — the habit weakens the one it grips severely.

The Shaykh's answer

The main point — this is haram; because it falls outside the limit Allah has set.

The Shaykh says the doctors' words are also to be taken into account — the habit weakens a person so much that even after marriage many fall into difficulty in fulfilling their lawful rights.

However, he also mentions the different view of Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) — if someone is in a situation where it is either zina or this, then on the principle of choosing the lighter of two harms, he permitted it. This is not a general rule; it concerns a special situation.

The evidence — where the limit lies

وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا۟ ٱلزِّنَىٰٓ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ فَٰحِشَةًۭ وَسَآءَ سَبِيلًۭا

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way. (Surah Al-Israa 17:32 — Saheeh International)Copy

The evidence of Imam Ash-Shafi'i (may Allah have mercy on him) is verses 5–7 of Surah Al-Mu'minun — those who seek a path beyond what Allah has made lawful are the transgressors. This is the main argument the Shaykh narrates.

What to do

1. Do not give up thinking of yourself as guilty — Allah forgives through sincere repentance and istighfar.
2. Lower your gaze; if you stay away from haram pictures and videos, the urge itself decreases.
3. Reduce idle time — fill your day with worship, work and necessary activities.
4. If you are able, try to get married; if not, hold firmly to fasting and dua.

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Source: Based on the talk of Shaykh Wahid Abdus Salam Bali

Translation and compilation: Raqi Faisal Ahmed Sabit — Al Qur'an Ruqyah Healing Center