Question:
Assalaamu ‘alaikum
Respected ‘Ulama
I have a problem. I constantly watch pornography. This started after I was getting down about not getting married and I accidentally came across a site. I have tried to quit but I’m finding it difficult to do so.
I have definitely lessened my time with porn over the past few months but it still happens. Sometimes, while I’m watching, I start regretting and close it. Sometimes, just after I type in the title, I close and leave, but sometimes, I watch for 20 minutes and I hate that.
Please advise me. I hate doing this.
Answer:
Bismihi Ta‘ala
Wa ‘alaikumus salaam wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuh
Respected Sister in Islam
1. Alhamdulillah, you are remorseful over this action and are sincerely wanting to refrain from it. May Allah Ta‘ala enable you to stop this evil immediately.
2. The type of treatment administered for a particular ailment is dependent on the nature and severity of that ailment. Hence cancer cannot be treated with Panados nor can a heart problem be treated with sleeping pills! The problem you have raised is very destructive and a major sin. It therefore requires drastic action.
3. Despite all the “reasons” or excuses you may be able to present, the most important step you must take is to get rid of the smartphone. Replace it with a very simple phone with no internet access. The very least is to totally refrain from having a smartphone for a minimum of 4 months. If you remain “clean” in this entire time, the matter can then be reviewed.
4. Also, daily do the following to build the spirituality, which is the most important aspect in order to stay away from all sin:
When you lie down to sleep, for about a minute or two imagine and clearly see in your mind the following:
You are being lowered into the grave. You have been placed on the sand. Some pebbles are poking into your back. The wall of the grave is cold. The grave is now being closed and getting darker. It is finally completely dark. You can hear the sand being thrown onto the grave. You are all alone… with only your aa’maal. Having pondered in this manner for a short while, make du‘aa from your heart to Allah Ta‘ala to bless you with the ability to do only good actions and save you from every wrong.
5. These issues must be confronted with himmat (courage). Do the following as a step in the direction of totally giving up these evil habits:
– Perform 10 rakaats nafl salaah with the intention of Salaatut Taubah and Salaatul Haajah.
– Make 200 times Istighfaar.
– Give R100 in sadaqah.
– If this ever happens again, report to whoever you seek advice from and seek his guidance. Also, fast the next day, whether the next day happens to be a weekday or weekend.
6. Commence with the daily ta’leem of Fazaail Aa’maal and Fazaail Sadaqaat for at least 7 to 10 minutes. Read from the different sections of the books.
May Allah Ta‘ala assist you.
Answered by:
Uswatul Muslimah Panel of ‘Ulama