Masturbation (istimna’ bi-l-yad) for treatment

Question

Question: Zayd has no children, because of which he has to have his semen tested, and the semen cannot be examined without masturbation by hand (istimna’ bi-l-yad). Is istimna’ bi-l-yad permissible in such a situation or not? And if the test reveals that there will be no children, is it wajib to inform the wife of this or not? For if she is informed, there is a fear that she will demand a divorce (talaq).

Answer

There are other methods of treatment as well; however, if treatment is not possible without this method, there is latitude for it. And then there is no necessity to inform the wife.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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