Can One Maintain Chastity in Today's World?

This is a profound and timely question that many individuals, especially young people, face in today's bustling world filled with challenges. The unequivocal and clear answer derived from the teachings of the Holy Quran and the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is: Yes, absolutely. Chastity and purity are not only noble and attainable values in Islam but also a duty and a path to inner peace and true felicity in any time and place. The Holy Quran, as the guiding light for humanity, offers practical and comprehensive solutions for maintaining chastity, which, although revealed fourteen centuries ago, are still completely applicable and effective for people today. The first and most fundamental step towards maintaining chastity is self-discipline and strengthening one's faith and piety (Taqwa). The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of Taqwa, which means God-consciousness and abstaining from sins. Taqwa grants an individual the power to resist worldly temptations and false attractions. When a person knows that God is constantly watching their actions and that every gaze, every word, and every deed is recorded, this awareness deters them from sin and leads them towards purity. In Surah An-Nur, verses 30 and 31, Allah gives explicit commands to believing men and women regarding controlling their gaze and preserving their private parts. These verses not only emphasize 'ghadd al-basar' (lowering the gaze from unlawful things) but also highlight the importance of preserving one's 'furūj' (private parts). This means that chastity is not merely about refraining from illicit sexual acts (zina) but also encompasses controlling one's gaze, thoughts, and even speech and behavior. In today's world, where media and social networks easily provide access to inappropriate images and content, controlling one's gaze has become a significant struggle. However, these very verses indicate that such control is not only possible but also 'azka lahum' (purer for them), leading to the purification of the soul and spirit. The second solution is observing appropriate dress and modesty (Hijab). In the same verses of Surah An-Nur, and also in Surah Al-Ahzab (verse 59), the Holy Quran instructs believing women not to display their adornments and to wear proper covering. This covering, aimed at protecting personal and social boundaries and preventing arousal of non-mahrams (unrelated individuals), plays a crucial role in creating a healthy and chaste environment. In an era where fashion and immodest attire are promoted through various media, adherence to Islamic modest dress requires strong will and deep insight. However, it helps women remain safe from lustful gazes and display their true dignity and personality, rather than just alluring appearances. For men too, wearing appropriate clothing and avoiding provocative or tight garments is part of the concept of modest dress. A third crucial guideline is to avoid the precursors to sin and corrupt environments. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 32, the Quran states: "And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way." This verse not only prohibits illicit sexual intercourse but also forbids approaching it, meaning any activity that could lead to it. This includes being alone with a non-mahram of the opposite sex, engaging in provocative conversations, watching obscene content, and being present in morally corrupt environments. In today's world, where communication barriers have significantly reduced and social media makes access to individuals easier, refraining from these precursors requires very strong self-control and conscious decision-making. This means we must intelligently choose who we spend our time with, in what settings, and what content we consume. The fourth solution is marriage and family formation. Islam presents marriage as the lawful and legitimate way to fulfill sexual desires and maintain chastity. In Surah An-Nur, verse 32, Allah instructs believers to facilitate marriage for the single and deserving among them, promising that if they are poor, Allah will enrich them from His bounty. Marriage, while providing spiritual and physical tranquility, prevents falling into the trap of sexual sins. In today's world, where economic and social obstacles have made marriage more difficult, efforts to facilitate marriage and promote it as a divine value are an important way to combat immodesty. Those who are unable to marry can control themselves through fasting and strengthening their willpower. The fifth, and perhaps most vital, aspect is the awakening of the heart and constant remembrance of God (Dhikr). The Holy Quran teaches us that true peace lies in the remembrance of Allah. "Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured" (Ar-Ra'd, 28). When the human heart finds tranquility in the remembrance of God and worldly attachments fade, carnal desires are also tempered. Participating in congregational prayers, reciting the Quran, supplication (du'a), personal communion with God (munajat), and vigilant self-observation of one's actions all contribute to strengthening this spiritual awakening. In the face of the deluge of information and temptations in the modern world, this spiritual connection acts like a saving anchor, keeping the ship of human existence steady in storms. Ultimately, maintaining chastity in today's world, though it may seem challenging, is entirely possible and achievable by relying on divine teachings and a strong will. This path not only leads to individual purity but also contributes to the well-being of society and paves the way for eternal felicity. The Holy Quran promises us that whoever fears Allah and avoids prohibitions, Allah will provide for them a way out and provision from where they do not expect. This divine promise is the greatest motivation for striving in the path of chastity and purity.