Q: I am a sixteen-year-old man living in Al-Zarqa' city, Jordan. Thanks to Allah, I offer the five obligatory Prayers in congregation and recite the Glorious Qur'an regularly. However, Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) predestined me to be vulnerable before the lust of sight. I try as much as I can to avoid looking at unlawful things. I even asked Allah to prevent me from looking at unlawful things; yet I like to do this. A year ago, I performed `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) and supplicated to Allah at Multazam (the place between the door of the Ka`bah and the Black Stone) for it. Later, after my return, I felt my will was too weak to stop looking at unlawful things. What do you think the solution is? I sometimes think of gouging one of my eyes out. Perhaps this will teach me a lesson! (Part No. 26; Page No. 339) I appreciate your advice.

A: Your duty is to abandon looking at unlawful things, regret the sins you committed, repent, and resolve never to commit the likes of it again. What you have mentioned about Allah's predestining you with inability to lower your gaze is a trick from the devil to make you fall into temptation and confusion. Allah (Glorified be He) orders His servants to lower their gaze and fortify themselves against adultery, but He does not burden them beyond the scope of their abilities. Allah (Exalted be He) says, Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope. We advise you to avoid the places where temptation exits and sexual desire is excited. It is not permissible for you to gouge one of your eyes out intentionally to get rid of striving against your soul that persistently enjoins you to commit evil and to escape devil's temptation. In fact, you should seek Allah's Help and ask Him to support you. You should have strong resolve to avoid prohibitions and know that the devil's plots are feeble. Allah (Exalted be He) says, Ever feeble indeed is the plot of Shaitân (Satan). May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.