It should be clear that Muslims are required to follow the Prophet’s guidance in all aspects of life so as to achieve success in this world and the world to come. In the Glorious Qur’an and the Sunnah, we read many instructions that guide the Muslim youth how to maintain self-control. Among these instructions are lowering the gaze and getting married as soon as one is able to afford for it.
Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states: “If a single Muslim is so tormented by sexual desires that you find yourself unable to control yourself, then it becomes obligatory on you to marry.
If, however, you cannot afford to, then you should try to control yourself by doing the following:
1) Fast as often as you can, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “O young people, whoever among you can afford to get married must do so; if he cannot afford it, let him fast, for it shall help hi
m to curb his desires.”
2) You should also try to change your diet by avoiding foods that may strengthen or enhance such desires.
3) Try to keep yourself busy with projects and work that are beneficial and positive. Imam Ash-Shafi`i said, “If you do not occupy yourself with good things, you will certainly become pre-occupied with sins.”
4) Avoid being alone and spend time with people who are conscious of Allah, and whose companionship will remind you of Allah and doing good things.
5) Ask Allah to help you overcome your weaknesses. You can read the following du`a’s on a regular basis:
Allahumma tahhir qalbee wa ahsin farjee (O Allah, cleanse my heart [of temptations] and help me remain chaste).
Rabbi qinee sharra sam`ee, rabbi qinee sharra basaree, rabbi qinee sharra lisaanee, rabbi qinee sharra maniyyee (My Lord, save and protect me against the evils of my ears; My Lord, save and protect me against the evils of my eyes; My Lord, save and protect me against the evils of my tongue; My Lord, save and protect me against the evils of my private parts).
Ya hayyu ya qayyumu bi rahmatika astagheethu (O the Ever-Living One, the Self-Subsisting Source of all things, I seek Your help).
If the above suggestions do not work for you, then it is absolutely obligatory upon you to protect yourself through marriage. As far as financial means are concerned, you should know that Allah is the Provider; He will surely provide for those who sincerely strive to remain chaste and seek His assistance. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “If you were to trust in Allah appropriately, He would provide for you even as He provides for the birds: See how they leave their nests early in the morning (in search of food) and return home satiated).”