Masturbation and Adultery

Q: Is masturbation equal in sin to zinaa (adultery)?

A: Masturbation is definitely a form of zinaa, and is haraam, but is lesser in gravity than the actual zina between male and female. Allah Ta’ala states in the Holy Quran: “And whoever seeks any other (avenue of lust) besides these (the wife and female slaves), they are the transgressors.” Surah Muminoon (23) verse 7. This verse makes haraam any form of sexual activity besides sex in marriage and sex with females slaves. The latter obviously does not exist today.