Health problem preventing marriage does not permit Zina
Fatwa No: 194821

Question

I'm a 29-year-old male with a severe chronic psychological condition that prevents me from bonding with people. In 29 years I haven't even been able to make male friends, let alone getting married. Because of my inability to bond with others, I honestly don't think I'll ever get married, even though I have a strong desire to do so. This has negative consequences on my physical health has well. Under these circumstances, would it be permissible to have sex with a prostitute? If not, what is the solution to my problem?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

We ask Allaah to give you a cure and good health, but what you mentioned does not allow you to commit Zina [illegal sexual intercourse], as such is itself an ailment and not a medicine. It is sinful and must be detested; Allaah The Exalted Said: {And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.}[Quran 17:32] We clarified its prohibition and dangers in Fataawa 85254 and 85425.

Rather, Islamic law requires that you treat your illness and seek the appropriate medication, including Islamic Ruqyah, which we clarified its legitimacy and implementation in Fataawa 88705 and 82355.

So be patient, hope for reward from Allaah, and seek treatment for this illness; and beware of doing what brings the wrath and hatred of Allaah.

Since you have a desire for women, and you are able to feed that desire in forbidden ways - which is a trick of the devil, beautifying the forbidden to you and driving you away from the permissible - so turn away from him and seek a righteous wife who will accept your situation and help you with treatment and with bearing you illness with patience.

Allaah Knows best.

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