Why is masturbating haram?

Question:

Why is masturbating haram?

Answer:

Allah Almighty –through his infinite wisdom – has ordained certain things for us and forbidden others. As Muslims we believe that if Allah has ordered us to do something, then this is because there is benefit in it for us. Likewise, if Allah has told us to stay away from something, then it is because there it is detrimental for us. Because humans are weak and ignorant, they will not always be able to appreciate the wisdom in Allah’s commands.
The scholars comment that masturbating is forbidden for many reasons; (i) because the Quran forbids it (70: 29-31) (ii) because it causes physical weakness (iii) because it is not the cure for sexual tension; the Prophet said ‘O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty (i.e. his private parts from committing illegal sexual intercourse etc.), and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual power.’