Q: Is masturbation equal in sin to zina?
A: Masturbation is definitely a form of zinaa, and is haraam, but is lesser in gravity than the
actual zina between male and female. Allah Ta’ala states in the Holy Quran: “And whoever
seeks any other fulfillment of desire besides these (the wife and female slaves), they are the transgressors.” Surah Muminoon (23) verse 7. This verse makes haraam any form of sexual ac-tivity besides sexual intercourse in marriage and with females slaves. The latter obviously does not exist today.