Yes, it's hard, especially when you're
constantly bombarded with obscene images: that hot, scantily clad
guy or gal in the magazine luring you; or the persistent emphasis on
sex in the movies (even Toy Story or Spider Man!); or the pervasive
links to pornography while you may simply be checking your e-mail.
How can you protect yourself from all of this?



1. Don't forget the power of Allah's Remembrance (Dhikr)!

It is the most powerful of all the defences. Regular reading of
prescribed Du'as will develop your Taqwa (consciousness) and keep
you mindful of what thoughts you entertain. Ya Khabeeru (The One who
is all-aware): constant recitation will decrease your nafs



2. Remember your Accountability to Allah.

In Islam, you're fully accountable as soon as you understand and
feel such temptations. Your eyes will testify about what you looked
at on the Day of Judgment.



3. Always walk with your gaze lowered.

But make sure not to bump into a hydro post! Lowering the gaze does
not mean that you cannot have any 'eye contact' as you walk or
during a conversation. It means that you keep your eyes under
control.



4. Take the Right Seat!

In a public place (e.g. café), choose a seat that minimizes your
view-frame and avoid mixed-crowds. It is precisely about such
comfortable gazing at the attractive features of the passers-by that
the Prophet (SAW) advised 'Ali  ibn Abi Talib: "Ali, do not let
a second look follow the first. The first look is allowed to you but
not the second." (Ahmad, Abu Dawud, at-Tirmidhi.)



5. Hangout with those known for noble character and modesty.

When you are around good people, they can remind you to abstain from
that which Allah dislikes. As the Prophet (SAW) said, "A person is
likely to  follow the faith of his friends, so be careful about
who you make your friend." (Ahmad.)



6. Avoid friends that are into immoral movies, music, dirty jokes
etc.

Such activities are the tools of Shaytan that promote the idea of
'love based on looks' or 'love at first sight'. Such friends would
take you into  an artificial world of fantasies and false
hopes, away from reality, before it's too late!



Therefore, either you help your friends change through gentle
advice, or abandon frequent contact with them. As Allah warns us:
"If anyone withdraws himself from Allah's remembrance, Most
Gracious, We appoint for him an evil one to be his intimate
companion."

[43: 36.]



7. Avoid visiting malls and parks alone.

Always try to go out with a family member or a good friend, whose
company may help you avert your eyes from the objectionable
billboards and inappropriately clothed people. In summer, step out
only when you have to. 



8. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO CURRENTLY WATCH TV AND/ OR SURF THE
INTERNET!

Surf or Watch TV when others are around. The temptation to sneak a
look at dirty pictures is heightened when you're alone in your room
watching TV or  surfing the Internet. Shaytan's primary target
is always a lonely person! Try to avoid late night TV and Internet
surfing.



MAKE DUA TO ALLAH TO RID YOU OF THESE EVIL INDULGENCES!





9. Never have 'nothing to do'!

Shaytan loves 'bored and idle' people. If you are feeling bored, do
the dishes, or take out the garbage, or read some book. Allah says,
"Do not throw yourself into destruction with your own  hands."
[2: 195.]





10. Volunteer for Islamic Organizations.

Your Jihad against immorality in the society is one reason for you
to join Muslim youth groups in your community. Your involvement with
such activities, along with the love of helpful brothers or sisters
struggling  for a good cause, will keep your mind, energies,
and thoughts focused away from the Haram.



11. Read, Read, and Read!

Yes, read as many Islamic books and articles as possible. Reading
keeps your mind and eyes busy! It keeps you motivated to live your
Islam and strengthens your relationship with Allah. 



12. Always remember that the beauty of this world is temporary and
the life hereafter is everlasting.



13. Observe voluntary fast to strengthen your willpower and to cool
your passions. The Prophet (SAW) strongly recommended the youth to
make it a habit.



14. If you are able and responsible then get married for the sake of
Allah. It may be one of the most effective, yet challenging, defence
mechanisms against such temptations.



15. For Brothers, remember your Mom and Sister.

Disgusting right? Exactly! No sane person would look at his mom or
sister the way many of us examine the girls on TV shows or stare at
our Muslim sisters in social gatherings. This thought should sicken
you enough to stop  Insha-Allah.



16. Remind yourself of the Death and Hereafter often.

"Remember often the terminator (or destroyer) of all the pleasures
[i.e. death]," the Prophet (SAW) reminded us. (at-Tirmidhi.)



17. Increase your Good Actions.

Try following the advice of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW): "Remain
conscious of Allah and fear Him wherever you are. And follow a bad
deed with a good deed which will wipe it out, and behave well
towards  people." (at-Tirmidhi.)



18. Repent and Return to Allah.

Allah is All-forgiving and loves those who return to Him, promising
not to repeat their sins. "Ask forgiveness from your Lord, then turn
towards Him in repentance; He will loosen the sky over you in
abundance, and He will add  strength unto your strength." [11:
52].