Prohibition of the Secret Habit (Masturbation)

The Shaykh : And in His saying (peace and blessings be upon him): there is evidence for the prohibition of what people call the secret habit, which is masturbation by hand or otherwise. For if this act were permissible, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would have directed people to it, as it is easier for a person and because one attains some pleasure through it. Since the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not direct people to it, it is known that it is not permissible in the Shari'ah of Allah. Therefore, it is obligatory for the young man to guard against it and not to surrender to the power of desire, but rather to be patient and await relief from Allah (Mighty and Majestic): as for the poor and the needy.