{ Those are the transgressors } : those who overstep the limits of Allah, those complete in transgression, those who are in excess; because these are those who act in hostility to Him whenever they overstep the limit in wrongdoing. This includes intercourse with males and animals, and adultery; it is said that it also includes masturbation. It is related that the Arabs used to masturbate on their journeys, and so this verse came down. Regarding the hadith "Whoever is unable – that is, to marry – is obliged to fast" : some of the Maliki school have inferred from this that masturbation is forbidden, since He (peace be upon him), when people were unable to marry, advised them to fast which would quell the desire. If masturbation were permissible, advising it would be easier. A group of scholars made masturbation permissible, including those of the Hanbali school and some of the Hanafi school, on account of the fact that subduing the desire is permissible. In the above-excerpted narration, the one fasting, if he handles his penis until he ejaculates, judgment is to be pronounced on him but no atonement is obliged. This act is not permissible outside of Ramadan if he intends to fulfill the desire, but if he intends to subdue the desire, I would expect no harmful consequence for him.