Is it permissible to listen to erotic audios instead of watching porn as a substitute? As I won’t be looking at explicit videos? Ramadan is almost here and I can’t seem to control the urge to masturbate. I’ve been fasting in the month of sha’baan too but I can’t help but feel aroused at night, after isha’a. I don’t watch porn and I’m trying to stay away from it as much as I can. But knowing I can masturbate to my thoughts or even the ASMR audios, I can’t resist the urge. So I wanted to know if it’s okay it to masturbate while listening to erotic audios instead? I’m an unmarried woman and I live alone.
As-Salam Alaykum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh,
First and foremost, each and every action that displeases / angers Allah is forbidden. Performing masturbation on yourself and pornography (both visual and audio) displease Allah.
Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an, ‘’and do not follow the steps of the Satan’’. The scholars explained that every act of disobedience to Allah is one the steps of Satan.
Satan is our enemy, so we should treat him as such. Realize this, and know that when you are incited to look / listen to things that displease Allah, it is Satan who is whispering in your ear. You are stronger than him, and you have to strength to overcome him with the Help of Allah.
Secondly, Allah is with us at all times. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘’He is nearer to you than the necks of your mounts (in front of you).’’
He (peace be upon him), also said that Allah said, ‘’I’m with my servant as long as he celebrates me, and his lips move with My Name.’’ He also said, ‘’Indeed, Allah Almighty disdains that His servant might stretch both hands towards Him, asking Him for good, and He returns them with failure.’’
So ask Him for help to overcome your weakness, and keep on asking Him always.
Thirdly, we must realize that sexual desires are part of human nature. It is how Allah created us. Some have more sexual desires than others, this is completely normal.
In the earlier times the Muslims, after performing Isha during Ramadan, eating, drinking, and having sexual relations with their spouse became unlawful to them until the time of breaking fast on the coming day.
This was extremely difficult for them. Even Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, who was known for his strictness and discipline, complained to the Prophet (peace be upon him) about it because he and others did eat and have sexual relationships after Isha.
It is after this that Allah revealed new verses which allowed the Muslims to eat, drink, and have sexual relationships with their spouse between Maghrib and Fajr.
I am telling you this to make you understand that even the best among us had sexual desires. Naturally there is no better way than to remedy them than through marriage. However, if this is not possible, then fast as much as you can, invoke Allah for help, and remove all things from your home and life that stimulate you to perform this sin.
Addiction to pornography and masturbation is similar to being addicted to drugs or the like. It’s an addiction that can’t be removed suddenly. Even though stopping ‘cold turkey’ is the best option, realize that most people will have fall backs during the process.
If you fall back into sin, repent for what you have done, renew your intention, and continue on the straight path. God willing you will overcome your weakness.
I ask Allah that my answer will benefit you, and that He blesses you with a righteous, loving spouse.
