Title: Opinions Expressed by Muslims Regarding Masturbation... Question/Comments: An Addendum Follows: Answer: After posting my response to the last question, on the referred subject, I thought it would be interesting for my readers to know about some of the opinions ascribed to some of the companions of the Prophet (pbuh) and some of their followers, regarding the said issue. Ibn Hazam , in his book " Al-Muhalla " has referred to some of these opinions. Mentioning his own opinion, he writes: "there is no basis of prohibiting it (masturbation) therefore it is allowed, except that I do not approve of it because it cannot be termed as good behavior". Ibn Hazam has also referred to the fact that there has been some difference of opinion in this respect, and then quoting some of the authorities, which do not prohibit it, he has mentioned Ibn `Umar (ra), Ibn Abbas (ra) from amongst the companions of the Prophet (pbuh), and Hasan , `Amr ibn Dinaar , Ziyad Abul-A`laa and Mujaahid from amongst the authorities of the second generation. Ibn `Umar (ra) has been quoted to have said: "It [masturbation] is only deceiving oneself" It has been quoted that once a person asked Ibn Abbas (ra) regarding masturbation. He replied: "That is bad. Marrying a slave girl is better than that [masturbation] and it is better than fornication." Ibn Abbas (ra) is also reported to have said: "It is nothing but to play with one's organ till it orgasms" Ibn `Umar (ra) is quoted to have said: "It [masturbation] is only to rub a muscle". Al-`alaa ibn Ziyad reports from his father that he said that they used to do it while [away from their wives,] in battles. Hasan is reported to have said the same. Mujaahid is reported to have said: "It is your sperm, you may spill it." Mujaahid is also reported to have said that those gone by used to advise their young ones to practice it, to save them from indulging into fornication. Mujaahid has also reported Hasan as saying; "there is no harm in masturbation". `Amr ibn Dinaar is also reported to have said; "I see no harm in masturbation". 6 th August 1999