sanctioned by Islamic law, a bond that ensures the uprightness of humanity, the flourishing of the universe, and happiness in both abodes.

If, however, it fails to achieve its intended purpose, that can only mean that the divine regulations Allah has commanded and encouraged have not been observed within it. From this one perceives the exalted stature of the religion and the magnificence of its aims and objectives.

First Ḥadith
Ibn Masʿūd reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “O company of young people! Whoever among you possesses the means (al-bāʾah) should marry, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and safeguarding the private parts. Whoever lacks the means must fast, for fasting will serve him as a restraint (wijāʾ).”

Unfamiliar vocabulary
• maʿshar al-shabāb (company of young men): maʿshar refers to a group joined by a single defining characteristic.
• al-bāʾah: Several pronunciations exist, the most common with a long final vowel and an h. The word is used for marriage, having been derived from mabāʾah, “dwelling,” because when a man marries a woman he settles her in a home.
• faʿalayhi bi-ṣ-ṣawm (then he should fast): Some scholars regard this as exhortation addressed to an absent party; that is facilitated here because the object of the exhortation has just been mentioned in the phrase “Whoever among you possesses the means,” so he is treated as though present. Others hold that the preposition bi- is superfluous, making the clause declarative rather than imperative.
• al-wijāʾ (castration): With a broken initial w and a long ā, it denotes the crushing of the spermatic cords until they burst, eradicating sexual desire. Fasting is likened to it because it weakens libido.

Overall meaning
Because chastity is obligatory and its opposite forbidden—and because unbridled desire coupled with weak faith leads to sin—the Prophet ﷺ addressed the youth, whose passions are strongest, guiding them to the path of purity. Whoever among them can bear the costs of marriage—mahr (dower), maintenance, and housing—should marry, for marriage lowers the gaze from what is forbidden and protects the private parts from fornication. As for the one unable to afford it yet yearning for it, he is urged to fast: fasting brings reward while suppressing and weakening sexual desire by abstaining from food and drink, subduing the self and narrowing the blood channels through which Satan flows. Thus fasting breaks lust just as castration disables the two testes that produce semen and kindle desire.

Lessons derived from the ḥadith
1- An exhortation to young men who are able to meet the expenses of marriage (mahr and maintenance) to wed, because youth is the time of strength and intense passion.