Fatwa #1948710 October 2011United Kingdom
Advice on marriage and problems with masturbation
Question
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
We appreciate you trying to seek guidance in the light of the Shariat. My respected brother there seems to be a few issues that concern you.
The evil of masturbation is something to be concerned about. You seem to understand that masturbation is something you will overcome. You should be confident that after making sincere tawbah from this sin it will be as if you had never committed this sin. You should not let the burden of this sin hold you back in life, rather live your life as normal having hope that Allah Tala has forgiven you. If you feel that you may have some physical set back because of this harmful practice then we advise you seek medical counsel in order to address those issues.
Secondly your issue of marriage, what should you do in the particular circumstances that you are in where on one side your mother’s wishes are that you marry your cousin whilst at the same time you have apprehensions about going into this marriage due to factors like language barrier?
Marriage is a major step in ones’ life. One should firstly make Dua to Allah Ta’ala for guidance in the right direction and to make the right decision. Your parents may have erred at certain instances when it came to marriage of your choice, but your parents are human beings, they are not angels. They will make mistakes just like how all human beings make mistakes. Shariat demands that no matter what wrong a parent does. One should have the highest level of respect and honor for his or her parents. You should let go of whatever has happened in the past. Your parents want the best for you. You should sincerely consider their wishes. There would be a lot of blessings in trying to marry an individual of your parents’ choice. But if you sincerely feel that there would be compatibility issues between you and your cousin then you should explain this to your parents with respect and honor. If after this they still refuse to accept this decision then you should try to bring this matter to the attention of an ‘aalim of your area who would be better able to explain why this decision is not in your best interest. You should also consider making Istikhara and tell your parents that Istikhara is Divine Guidance. Whatever Allah puts in your heart in Istikhara, there is good in that.
We make Dua to Allah that He guides you to make to a decision which would lead to His pleasure.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
www.daruliftaa.net