Is a person considered a sinner on the same level as an adulterer if he intended to commit adultery, began its مقدمات (foreplay/preliminaries), and then Allah diverted him from it against his will?

If a Muslim resolves to commit a sin and persists in that resolve, he incurs sin, even if he does not commit the act. His sin, however, is not like the sin of the perpetrator. Evidence for this is the agreed-upon Hadith (definition) narrated by Abu Bakra (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If two Muslims confront each other with their swords, both the killer and the killed will be in the Hellfire." When asked about the one who was killed, he replied: "He was eager to kill his companion." The sin of this resolve is recorded as a misdeed if the servant is not deterred from it by anything other than the fear of Allah Almighty. As for mere passing thoughts without firm intention, there is no sin in them.

There are several means to chastity, including: - Associating with good people and avoiding bad ones. - Voluntary fasting for those who cannot marry, based on the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "O young people, whoever among you can afford to marry, let him do so, for it helps in lowering the gaze and guarding the private parts. And whoever cannot afford it, let him fast, for it will be a shield for him." - Avoiding residence in lands of disbelief unless there is a necessity or need, due to the abundance of temptations and incentives for lust therein. - Repentance from masturbation.