Taking care of behaviors, the sensation of being in the presence of Allah (J), paying attention to the reality of sin and considering the results of leaving sins are the four ways suggested by the Ahl al-Bayt (A) that help youth to give up sins.
Question
How should the young avoid committing sin? What solutions are there to overcome the lust?
Answer
We have recommendations from Ahl al-Bayt (A.S) which applying them is very effective and beneficial to give up sins especially for youth.
1- Taking care of behaviors
The holy Prophet (S) said: “compute yourself, before you are computed and weigh yourself, before you are weighed and prepare yourself, for the biggest exam.” [1]
2- Sensation of being in the presence of Allah
The holy Prophet (S) said warningly to Abudar: “Oh Abudar! Do not look at exiguity of sin, rather, look at whom you have disobeyed!” [2]
3- Reality of sin
The holy Prophet (S) said: “I wonder about one who abstains from food because of illness; how doesn’t he abstain from sins because of Hell!” [3]
4- The results of repentance and leaving the sins
The messenger of Allah (S) said: “Allah (A&J) says: Oh the young who leaves his lust in his springtime! You are like my angels in my presence” [4]
Note:
[1] Wasa’il al-Shi’a, v.16, p.99: "حَاسِبُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ قَبْلَ أَنْ تُحَاسَبُوا وَ زِنُوهَا قَبْلَ أَنْ تُوزَنُوا وَ تَجَهَّزُوا لِلْعَرْضِ الْأَكْبَرِ"
[2] Amali Toosi, p.528: "يَا أَبَا ذَرٍّ، لَا تَنْظُرْ إِلَى صِغَرِ الْخَطِيئَةِ وَ لَكِنِ انْظُرْ إِلَى مَنْ عَصَيْت"
[3] Man la yahzor, v.3, p.359: "عَجِبْتُ لِمَنْ يَحْتَمِي مِنَ الطَّعَامِ مَخَافَةَ الدَّاءِ كَيْفَ لَا يَحْتَمِي مِنَ الذُّنُوبِ مَخَافَةَ النَّار"
[4] Majmu’at Varam, v.1, p.37: "يَقُولُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ أَيُّهَا الشَّابُّ الْمُتَبَذِّلُ شَبَابَهُ لِي التَّارِكُ شَهَوَاتِهِ أَنْتَ عِنْدِي كَبَعْضِ مَلَائِكَتِي"