Does masturbation break your fast?
Yes, according to the four Sunni schools, deliberate masturbation that leads to ejaculation breaks your fast. You need to make up that day later, take a ghusl, and sincerely repent. Most scholars say no extra expiation (kaffarah) is due.
Why it breaks the fast
Fasting means holding back from food, drink and sexual desire from dawn to sunset. In a well-known hadith qudsi, Allah says of the fasting person that "he has left his food, drink and desires for My sake" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1894). Scholars of the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali schools take this to mean that deliberately bringing about ejaculation goes against the core of the fast, so the fast is broken. A small minority (such as Ibn Hazm) held that it doesn't break it, but the majority view is the one to follow.
What to do if it happened
- Keep fasting for the rest of the day. Don't eat or drink, out of respect for Ramadan.
- Take a ghusl (full ritual bath) before your next prayer. See When is ghusl required?
- Make up one day after Ramadan.
- Repent. Feel regret, stop, and intend not to return to it.
The heavy kaffarah of fasting 60 days is linked to intercourse, not masturbation, according to most scholars. Some Maliki scholars required it for anyone who deliberately ruins a Ramadan fast, but the majority don't.
What doesn't break it
A wet dream doesn't break the fast, because it wasn't your choice. Neither does a passing thought, or discharge (madhy) without full ejaculation, according to most scholars, although you should try to avoid situations that lead there. Kissing and touching your spouse have their own details. See Does kissing break your fast?
If you're struggling with this habit
Many converts arrive with habits they're still working on, and this is one of the most common. Ramadan can be a real turning point: the fast itself weakens desire, and the Prophet ﷺ recommended fasting to young people who couldn't marry yet for this reason. Keep your phone out of the bedroom, avoid triggers, stay busy, and make dua. If you slip, don't give up on fasting or prayer. See Will Allah forgive me if I keep committing the same sin?
- Deliberate masturbation with ejaculation breaks the fast (majority view).
- Make up the day, take a ghusl and repent; most say no kaffarah.
- Wet dreams and passing thoughts don't break the fast.
- A slip is not the end; keep fasting, praying and trying.
People also ask
Does crying break your fast?
No, crying does not break your fast. Tears, a runny nose and red eyes are fine; just wipe away tears that reach your mouth. Crying in Islam explained.
Read the full answer →Can I use mouthwash while fasting?
Yes, you can use mouthwash while fasting if you spit it all out and swallow none. Accidental swallowing, scholars' views, and a safe Ramadan routine.
Read the full answer →Can I sleep all day while fasting?
Yes, you can sleep all day while fasting and your fast stays valid, but you must still wake up for Dhuhr and Asr. How to balance rest in Ramadan.
Read the full answer →Why do Muslims fast on Mondays and Thursdays?
Muslims fast on Mondays and Thursdays because deeds are shown to Allah on those days and the Prophet ﷺ was born on a Monday.
Read the full answer →Can Muslims fast on a Friday only?
No, Muslims shouldn't single out Friday alone for a voluntary fast. Add Thursday or Saturday; Arafah and make-up days on Friday are fine.
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