Those who can afford marriage should marry, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and guarding chastity. He who cannot afford it should fast, for indeed it serves as a restraint for him
‘Abdullāh ibn Mas‘ūd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: We were in the company of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), and he said:
‘Abdullāh ibn Mas‘ūd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: We were in the company of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), and he said: "Those who can afford marriage should marry, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and guarding chastity. He who cannot afford it should fast, for indeed it serves as a restraint for him."
Explanation
Explanation of the hadith
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) urged those who are able to have sexual intercourse and afford the expenses of marriage to marry, as it protects their sight from what is forbidden, keeps their private parts more chaste, and prevents them from falling into immorality. As for those who cannot afford the expenses of marriage yet can have sexual intercourse, they should observe fast, as it undermines the desire of the private parts and stops the evil of semen.
Lessons
Benefits from the hadith
Islam is keen on the causes of chastity and safety from immoralities.
It urges those who cannot afford the expenses of marriage to observe fast, for it weakens sexual desire.
Fasting is described as a restraint (Wijā’ in Arabic), for Wijā’ means cutting off the veins of the two testicles, which eliminates one's libido; likewise, fasting weakens sexual desire.