We were with the Prophet (ﷺ) while we were young and had no wealth. So Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty (i.e. his private parts from committing illegal sexual intercourse etc.), and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual power."
Hadith Text
We were with the Prophet (ﷺ) while we were young and had no wealth. So Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty (i.e. his private parts from committing illegal sexual intercourse etc.), and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual power."
Source Reference
Book: Wedlock, Marriage (Nikaah)
Author: Sahih al-Bukhari
Hadith: Sahih al-Bukhari 5066
Scholarly Commentary
This noble hadith establishes marriage as the primary means for young believers to preserve their chastity and protect themselves from illicit relations. The Prophet (ﷺ) addresses youth specifically, recognizing their natural desires and providing the Islamic solution.
Marriage serves as both a spiritual shield and a natural outlet for sexual energy within lawful bounds. The phrase "lowers his gaze and guards his modesty" indicates comprehensive protection of both external conduct (gaze) and internal purity (private parts).
For those unable to marry due to financial constraints or other valid reasons, fasting is prescribed as an alternative means of controlling desires. Fasting weakens physical urges through hunger and thirst while strengthening spiritual resolve through increased devotion.
This guidance demonstrates Islam's practical approach to human nature - neither suppressing natural instincts nor permitting their unrestrained fulfillment, but rather channeling them through lawful means that preserve individual purity and social morality.
Legal Rulings
Scholars classify marriage as highly recommended (mustahabb) for those capable, becoming obligatory when one fears falling into sin. The condition "whoever can marry" includes both physical capability and financial means to provide the basic marital rights.
The fast mentioned refers to voluntary fasting beyond the obligatory Ramadan fast, particularly days like Mondays, Thursdays, and the white days (13th, 14th, 15th of each lunar month).