—glorified is He—that He has made the punishments of transgressors signs for those who discern.

Al-Tirmidhī reports that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Beware of the believer’s discernment, for he sees by the light of Allah.”

He then recited:

“Indeed, in that are signs for those who discern.”

This shows that whoever takes heed of Allah’s punishment of others who committed sexual indecencies is among those who discern. Allah Most High states that He obliterated the sight of those who practised sodomy. Thus, the punishment of those who commit sexual indecencies was the loss of sight, as has been known and witnessed among them. Conversely, those who took heed of their fate and refrained from their deeds were rewarded with light. This accords with the placement of the Verse of Light after the command to lower the gaze.

As for the ability and strength that Allah grants those who fear Him and resist their desires, this is a well-known reality. As has been related:

“Satan fears the shadow of one who abandons his desires.”

An authentic hadith records that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“The strong man is not the one who overpowers others in wrestling; rather, the strong man is the one who controls himself when angry.”

Another narration relates:

“He passed by some people flicking a stone and said, ‘Strength does not lie in this. Rather, strength is for one of you to be filled with rage and then restrain it for Allah’s sake.’”

Or words to that effect. He spoke here of anger because it is very common among human beings and is apparent to others. The sway of desire, however, is generally concealed from people’s eyes, and its devil is hidden. Moreover, it is often possible to find a lawful alternative to