Answer
Answer:
As-Salaamu ‘Alaikum dear brother,
Thank you for placing your trust in our ability to present a solution to your current situation.
All problems will be solved if you adhere to the teachings of Islam, the Quran and the Sunnah. There are myriad proofs on the damage caused by masturbation and addiction to it, not just memory loss. In your case, you seem to be addicted to masturbation, and if serious steps are not taken, you are risking your mental, physical and spiritual health. Likewise, if you stop masturbating, you will be able to regain your memory and health. However, you need to seriously adhere to a set of steps to ensure that you will successfully recover.
How to overcome the causes of masturbation
Socialize!
According to research, there are many causes of masturbation. One of them is social withdrawal. Research shows that social withdrawal, masturbation and depression are highly connected. This combination leads to many more health issues in the future. Therefore, dear brother, attend social gatherings.
If you are living in India, there are many ways in which you can donate your time towards the betterment of others. Volunteer your time, energy and effort and you will realize that all your problems and bad habits will subside.
Another cause of masturbation is consistent moodiness and the inability to face life problems. Some people develop a habit of escaping from problems instead of facing them, and some of the steps they tend to turn towards is masturbation and pornography. So, if such is your condition, try to balance your mood; be happy and spend time with family.
Distract your mind and body with productivity
Negative thoughts, worry and stress are nothing but the manifestation of an empty mind and a mind not occupied by productivity. You are a university student, therefore, spend as much time as possible studying, joining clubs, doing extracurricular activities and enjoying time with friends. When your mind is occupied by such positivity, you will realize that you will not dwell thinking about the negative effects of masturbation, and you will stop masturbation as well.
Exercise: the most important solution to many ailments
Exercising is the best way to feel happy and more relaxed. It releases various chemicals in the brain which leaves you feeling stress free and better about yourself. Exercising regularly also boosts your confidence levels, improves self-esteem, and clears your mind of unwanted, depressing thoughts and builds motivation and positive mental attitude. In addition, it also improves your physical health, which is very important.
Exercising can be done at the gym, aerobics and even yoga. Therefore, religiously exercise. Exercising also uses the male hormone testosterone for the use of building muscle.
Laziness is a serious cause which leads to masturbation. Exercising is also known to cause an increase in the size of the hippocampus and leads to improved memory. Therefore, exercising is the best way to overcome many health issues. According to research, an individual should spend 150 minutes/week exercising, or at least 25 minutes/day.
Seek guidance and help from Allah (swt)
Although we try as much as we can to attain help and cure from every source possible, it all boils down to Allah’s (swt) will and help. It is ultimately Allah (swt) who provides the cure and guidance.
Be conscious of Allah’s omnipresence. We tend not to do immoral or inappropriate activities when others are present. However, we often forget that Allah (swt) is always present. Before we do anything that makes us conscious, and would even make us feel guilty afterwards, remember that Allah (swt) is always there. Being conscious of His presence will make us inhibit many of the things we would do otherwise. In fact, many individuals who are addicted to masturbation and pornography are simply not conscious of His presence.
Allah (swt) says in the Quran,
“And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.” (65: 2-3)
Do not underestimate the power of Istighfar
Ask Allah (swt) for forgiveness daily. Allah (swt) says in the Quran:
”Ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in showers and increase you in strength [added] to your strength.” (11:52)
”Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver.” (71:10)
Therefore, dear brother, seek forgive from Allah (swt) from all that you are guilty of having done. Allah (swt) is the one who forgives and provides a way out of every problem we as individuals place ourselves in.
Lastly, dear brother, you are only 18. Why are you thinking about marriage?! Do not worry about the future, it is not in our control. Focus on the present and sincerely aim towards improving it. Before you even think about marriage, you need to know the responsibilities of being a good Muslim, a good son and son-in-law, a good husband, and a good father.
I hope my answer will benefit you and make you feel more hopeful of the future and will encourage you to strive for the best and overcome your past habits. I wish you all the best, and may Allah (swt) ease all your affairs.
Salam,
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