Is what is happening to this young man – academic failure, despair, doubting women, and thinking about immorality – a punishment from God because he practiced masturbation?

The first thing that is advised is to seek help from Allah and to frequently supplicate to Him for facilitating marriage and for protection from temptation. One should also repeat the supplication of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "O Allah, I hope for Your mercy, so do not abandon me to myself even for a blink of an eye, and set all my affairs right; there is no god but You." Moreover, one must repent from the forbidden act of masturbation and avoid committing indecency. If marriage is not facilitated, then the young man should fast, in accordance with the Prophet's instruction, peace and blessings be upon him. It is also advised to associate with righteous people. Calamities do not necessarily indicate punishment for a sin; they can be a trial. It is not permissible to doubt all Muslim women, as the default assumption for a Muslim is their soundness. However, it is permissible to inquire about a girl through trustworthy individuals when considering marriage. One must be wary of causes of temptation, such as co-educational study and residing in non-Muslim countries if one fears temptation for oneself.