If it is asked: If the prior divine decree does not conflict with the operation of causes, how should we understand the report established in the Sahīh from Abū Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, who said:

“I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, I am a young man, and I fear falling into sexual sin, but I lack the means to marry.’ He gave me no reply. Then I repeated the same words, and he gave me no reply. Then I repeated the same words, and he gave me no reply. Then I repeated the same words, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, ‘O Abū Hurayrah, the pen has dried concerning what you will encounter. So castrate yourself in light of that, or refrain.’”

This implies that castrating himself, by which he intended to keep himself from sexual immorality, would not avert what had been decreed.

Likewise, it is reported in the Sahīh from Abū Saʿīd al-Khudrī that they asked the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, about withdrawal during intercourse. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“There is no harm in your doing so, for every soul that Allah has decreed shall exist will indeed come into existence.”

Thus, this