𝗠𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (102)

Overcoming Porn Addiction Enquiry: How does one overcome porn addiction? Here is some practical advice which I hope will be beneficial: 1⃣. Marriage The scholars mention that marriage is generally recommended. However, in the case of one who fears falling into haram, marriage becomes obligatory. If this is the ruling regarding someone who merely fears falling into sin, then what about the one who is already committing haram on a regular basis? Marriage is a solution prescribed by the Prophet ﷺ. He ﷺ said: ((فإنه أغض للبصر وأحصن للفرج)) "It helps one lower the gaze and guard one's chastity." [Reported by Bukhari and Muslim from the hadith of Ibn Mas'ud رضي الله عنه] If a brother is already married but continues to struggle, then he may consider marrying a second, third, or fourth wife—provided that he is able to maintain justice between them, as Allah said: {فَٱنكِحُوا۟ مَا طَابَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلنِّسَاۤءِ مَثۡنَىٰ وَثُلَـٰثَ وَرُبَـٰعَۖ فَإِنۡ خِفۡتُمۡ أَلَّا تَعۡدِلُوا۟ فَوَ ٰ⁠حِدَةً أَوۡ مَا مَلَكَتۡ أَیۡمَـٰنُكُمۡۚ} "Marry women of your choice, two, three, or four; but if you fear that you will not be able to deal justly with them, then marry only one..." [Surah An-Nisa: 3] If marriage is not an option due to financial constraints, then he may borrow money if necessary, while sincerely intending to repay it. Allah will assist him in doing so. The Prophet ﷺ said: ((من أخذ أموال الناس يريد أداءها، أدى الله عنه)) "Whoever takes people's wealth intending to repay it, Allah will help him repay it." [Reported by Al-Bukhari] 2⃣. Fasting If marriage is not possible, then he should seek to suppress and control his desires through fasting. This was also recommended by the Prophet ﷺ in the same hadith mentioned above. 3⃣. Self-Assessment A person should ask himself: What triggers me to commit this sin? Often, one of the main causes is looking at haram things, which in turn arouses desire. If this is the case, then the solution begins with lowering the gaze. Ibn Al-Qayyim رحمه الله said: "Allah, the Exalted, has made the eye the mirror of the heart. If a servant lowers his gaze, the heart lowers its desires and longings. If he allows his gaze to wander, the heart's desires are also set free." [Rawdhat Al-Muhibbin, p. 92] Likewise, one should: • Avoid free mixing and mixed environments as much as possible. • Place restrictions on internet usage through parental controls, passwords, accountability software, and similar measures. • Avoid using the internet in isolation if that is when temptation is strongest. Instead, use devices in public areas of the home, such as the living room. 4⃣. Remember the Greatness of the One You Are Disobeying Ask yourself: Would I be willing to commit these acts while people were watching me? Most people would feel intense shame at the thought. Yet Allah sees us at all times. Allah praised those who guard their chastity and mentioned this among the qualities of those who will inherit Al-Firdaws. Conversely, Allah condemned those who seek sexual gratification outside the limits He has prescribed and described them as transgressors: {فَأُو۟لَـٰۤئكَ هُمُ ٱلۡعَادُونَ} "Those are the transgressors." [Surah Al-Mu'minun: 7] It is shameful enough to be labelled a transgressor among the creation. What then of being regarded as such by the Creator? 5⃣. Knowing the ill effects For those who understand Arabic, read Sheikh Abdulḥamīd's answer to question 10 on this link: https://t.me/A_lzoukory/31771, then compare his answer to the following accounts: A story of A porn addict: “My brothers and sisters, I started watching porn at the age of 12. It was introduced to me by a relative. They showed me porn when I was 12 years old. Since then, I would smuggle it from their room and would watch it alone. For a good 5 years my love for porn continued to increase. I went and registered my name to a movie seller, who used to bring the latest porn in the market. At one go, I would buy 12 DVDs and I would watch from morning to night, nonstop.