Q:

Assalamu Alaikum

I mastrubated , but didn’t know that it was prohibited, after I heard that it is prohibited , I swore to Allah to never do it again , but did it anyway, and several times that…I read somewhere that if u break a promise to Allah one is required to ask for forgiveness and make up for the sin by feeding/clothing 10 poor people or freeing a slave or, if unable to do these, to fast for three days. My question is , I only said “Wallahi I’ll never do this again” I only said that sentence once, so should I fast 3 days or should I fast 3+more days for doing it several times, or what should I do.. please help me.

A:

Wa alaykum assalamu wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Mercy-Giving.

All praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad.

Masturbation is prohibited as inferred from the Quranic verse “the ones, moreover, who are ever vigilant as to [the chastity of] their secret parts- except [in associating] with their wives, or [with] whomever their hands may rightfully possess, for, then, they are not blameworthy; but whoever seeks [a way] beyond this, then it is they who are the transgressors.” (Al-Mu’mnun 23:5-7)

You need to repent sincerely to Allah and have strong resolve not to do this again. Part of this repentance is to quit all the practices that stimulate your desire, such as gazing at members of the opposite sex, watching explicit contents, etc.

You need also to keep your time busy with useful activities, because leisure time is a big opportunity for the Satan to incite you for evil acts. Attend congregational prayers, find religious friends, stay away from the internet as far as possible, try to memorize the Quran, practice fasting to break this appetite, try to serve your community through philanthropic activities, etc. These are just example of things that fill your time and keep you away from thinking about your appetite.

As for the oath you have taken, as long as it was only taken one time, then the atonement is to be paid only one time, unless you intended otherwise. The atonement is expounded in the Quranic verse that reads, “Allah will not hold you accountable for unintended vows in your oaths. But He will hold you accountable for what you have [intentionally]  bound yourselves to by oaths, the atonement of which is feeding ten indigent people with the average of what you feed your own families; or clothing them; or freeing a human being from bondage. But if one [of you] does not find [such means], then fast three days [instead]. That is the atonement for your oaths, when you swear [and break them].” (Al-Ma’idah 5:89)

Allah knows best.