Sex in Islam, - Masturbation: Comments by the Sahaabah

Question:How is the act of masturbation seen in Islam. Is it a sin? If
it is, then what is the punishment for it?
Answer:There is no explicit directive of the Shari`ah which forbids
masturbation. In other words, it is silent on this issue.
Consequently, it cannot be regarded as a sin. The verses from which
its prohibition is usually derived, I am afraid, have another meaning
(than that commonly ascribed).
Theopinions of some of the companionsof the Prophet (saws) reproduced
below fromIbn Hazam's al-Muhalla (Vol:11, pp. 393-4)indicate that
(while they may have discouraged it) they did not forbid it:
Ibn 'Abbaas:
*."Marrying a slave girl is better than it, and it is better than
fornication (zinaa)."
*."It is nothing but rubbing one's private parts until a fluid comes out."
Ibn `Umar:
*."A person who does makes a fool of himself."
*."It is merely rubbing an organ."
Jaabir Ibn Zayd:
*."It is your water; you can discharge it [if you want]."
Hasan Basri:
*."There is no harm in it."
At best, masturbation can be termed as an undesirable act similar in
nature to the emotions of anger and hate. Such emotions are generally
against good conduct, and a person should try to control them as much
as possible. However, there may be situations when they may play a
somewhat positive role -- especially when they save you from a sin.