A questioner asks: What is the ruling on the secret habit? He has tried to quit it but could not, and it prevents him from a greater prohibition.

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, this questioner is asking about the secret habit. He says that he has not been able to quit it, and that he has tried very hard, and that it prevents him from a greater prohibition. He asks: Is there a dispensation for him in this?

Answer:
My brother, it is forbidden, forbidden. It prevents you from a prohibition, yet it is itself forbidden and not permissible. So do not do it, never. Repent to Allah, stay away from it, and use fasting, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: If you cannot afford to marry, the first thing is to marry, for it lowers the gaze and guards the private parts. If you cannot afford to marry, then fast. So whoever cannot afford to marry, let them fast. This is what you treat the desire with, and this suffices you for the secret habit: either marriage or fasting.