What is the ruling on a person who masturbated [while being in the state of ihram] during the Hajj, before standing on the mountain of ‘Arafat? الاستمناء للمحرم

All praise is due to Allah alone, and may the Salah and Salam of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his companions. To answer your question, we say while seeking the success from Allah: He has to offer a fidyah (i.e. ransom or expiation) because masturbation is one of the things that are not allowed during the state of ihram. The expiation for violating the state of ihram is explained in the ayah (interpretation of the meaning): {Must offer a ransom of fasting [three days] or charity or sacrifice} [Quran 2:196]. That being said, one has the choice to select from these three options; to slaughter a sheep within the boundaries of al-Haram and then distributing its meat to the poor ones in al-Haram, or feed 6 needy persons from al-Haram by offering each person half of a sa’a each day, or fast 3 days.

Your brother,

Khalid al-Moslih  

29/11/1428 A.H.