Touching one's private parts in Islam is complex and depends heavily on intent and context. It's not inherently haram (forbidden) but certain actions are.
When Touching Private Parts is Permissible:
-
Hygiene and Cleaning: Touching private parts during bathing or cleaning is acceptable, as cleanliness is highly valued in Islam. This includes scratching an itch. However, ensure you wash your hands afterward. [Reference 1: "In Islam cleanliness is a major concern so you can rub them while bathing or cleaning. Or even scratch if you're feeling uncomfortable but yeah, wash your hands after you clean them."]
-
Necessary Actions: Touching your private parts to urinate or to dry yourself after urination or using the toilet is considered permissible. [Reference 3: "Touching your private parts so as to urinate, wash, or wipe, or dry is not a sin."] [Reference 6: "One should refrain from touching private parts while praying salat, or while making wudu (unless it is necessary in wudu) touching your private parts."] [Reference 8: "If you do ghusl and you accidentally touch your private part, do we need to do it again? A: According to Sunnah and authentic Hadith."] [Reference 10: "Touching it to clean it or to scratch an itch or to shave pubic hair…"]
When Touching Private Parts is Not Permissible:
-
Masturbation: Touching one's private parts with sexual intent (masturbation) is considered haram. [Reference 5, Reference 9, Reference 10]
-
During Prayer (Salah): Touching private parts during prayer breaks the wudu (ablution) and necessitates repeating the prayer. [Reference 1: "Touching the private parts invalidates your wudu(ablution)."] [Reference 6: "One should refrain from touching private parts while praying salat, or while making wudu (unless it is necessary in wudu)"]
-
With Improper Intent: Any touching of private parts with inappropriate intent (e.g., sexual arousal, stimulation) is haram. [Reference 2, Reference 7, Reference 10]
Important Note: Accidental touching of private parts while performing ghusl (ritual bath) does not necessitate repeating the ghusl, according to some interpretations. [Reference 8]
