Is Sexting Allowed?

08 September, 2018
Q I am 18 and my sexual desires are at their peak. My marriage has already been fixed but because the guy is still not financially stable, I haven't married. I used to masturbate, found that it's not right, left it for a couple of months, but now the feelings are back. In the heat of the moment, I sexted with a stranger on a "chat with strangers site". I did not show my face (though we did exchange nudes). I want to know whether sexting is allowed or no? If not, what is the right way of istighfar in this situation?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.


In this fatwa:

Sexting as defined by Wikipedia is not allowed in Islam.


In his response to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:

Here is the definition of sexting in Wikipedia:

“Sexting is sending, receiving, or forwarding sexually explicit messages, photographs, or images, primarily between mobile phones, of oneself to others. It may also include the use of a computer or any digital device.”

There is no way a Muslim can engage in online chats involving such activities. Islam teaches modesty and chastity; hence any exposure or nudity is considered a grave sin.

Such activities lead to adultery and fornication which are grave sins in Islam. Allah orders us “…do not even go near fornication, for it is indeed an abomination and an evil way.” (Al-Israa’ 17: 32)

In another verse, we read: “…and not expose their adornment except to their husbands…” An-Nur 24:31)

So, by sending your nude pictures or receiving nude photos of others, you are guilty of a grave sin. I advise you to repent.

As for how to seek repentance you may refer to the answer linked below:

The Door of Repentance Is Wide Open

Almighty Allah knows best.