Is it legal for couples to use sex aids? Is it permissible?

darulmaarif.net – Indramayu, 28 November 2025 | 09.00 WIB

In the modern era, technology is increasingly rapid and many new innovations have been born that have not been imagined before. This includes sexual aid technology which is increasingly easy to find in online shops, such as electric penises, sex dolls and other sex aid devices. Many couples ask about the halalness of using such tools to satisfy their partners, especially in married couple households. It is important to understand this problem from the basis of fiqh – not just from a medical or social aspect.

Responding to the issue above, is the use of sexual aids considered adultery and something that is prohibited by religion? Or is it the other way around, the law is permissible?

Law on the Use of Sex Toys

In Islamic fiqh, the majority of ulama emphasize that the use of sexual aids is haram. This is based on the explanations of the scholars. The prohibition is based on the aim of the Shari’a to protect the honor and health of the reproductive organs from use that is not in accordance with Islamic Shari’a.

In the book Syarh Sullam Taufiq Pages 76-77 it is said as follows:

Among the sins of the intimate parts are adultery, sodomy, to the point of saying…… and taboos with hands that are not allowed (Explanation of Salam al-Tawfiq, pp. 76-77)

Meaning: “Including sexual immorality is adultery, liwath [anal sex]up to those mentioned… and istimna’ (masturbation/masturbation) with other than his wife’s own hands.” (Syarh Sullam Taufiq, [DKI: Beirut]Matter. 76-77)

In the book I’anatut Tholibin Juz 4 p. 142 it is said that using sexual aids does not constitute adultery, but it is still categorized as a sinful act.

(The saying is adultery by penetrating the head of the penis) means the insertion of the head of the penis and it must be genuine and continuous, then penetration occurs other than the head of the penis, for example with a finger or an additional head, even if it is possible, as if the original is suspected to be an additional or separate head, then there is no punishment in all these cases because it is not called adultery.

Meaning: “(It is said to be adultery if you include hasyafah [kepala penis]) means it must be genuine and inherent. So anything that is not hasyafah, such as fingers or additional tools, or even separate ones, is not subject to hadyafah because it is not considered zina.” (I’anatut Tholibin Juz 4 p. 142)

Explanation of Jurisprudence

• Utilizing sexual aids to give vent to lust, other than with a legal partner (in the istimna’ category [masturbasi]), which is haram unless there is an urgent need and there is no other solution.
• This act is not included in the category of zina, so the perpetrator is not given a had sentence, but is obliged to receive a ta’zir sentence determined by the judge according to its impact on society.

It is important for married couples to seek sexual happiness according to Islamic law, which maintains honor, psychological balance and household blessings. When facing sexual problems, open communication and sharia-based solutions are more important than relying on sexual aids. Islam views affection, dialogue and mutual understanding as the main keys to satisfaction and longevity of a husband and wife relationship.

Hope it is useful. Wallohu a’lam.