Why does a young man feel wretched in applying the teachings of religion, despite Allah Almighty's saying: "Taha, We have not sent down to you the Qur'an that you be wretched," and with his desire to obey Allah and distance himself from sins, in light of his suffering from an environment where commitment is scarce, the difficulty of growing a beard for an unspecified period, the absence of halal alternatives for chants and programs, the repeated failure to lower his gaze, the emptiness of time, the attempt to avoid masturbation, and the inability to marry?

The Almighty Allah's saying: (Taha We have not sent down to you the Qur'an that you should be distressed) bears two meanings: The first is to console the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, for the weariness he experienced from the polytheists and his sorrow over their disbelief. The second is to divert him from excessive worship, for the Qur'an is mercy and light, not distress.

The verse has no relation to the hardship of religious obligations and adherence to commands and prohibitions. Hardship exists at the outset, as in the Almighty's saying: (Indeed, We will cast upon you a heavy word). But with faith and piety, Allah eases the matter, and the Muslim finds comfort and joy, in fulfillment of the Almighty's saying: (So We will ease him toward ease).

Therefore, you must adhere to piety and patience. Listening to lectures is good and should not be a cause for annoyance. Annoyance might stem from religious practice without insight or from extremism. There is no harm in entertaining oneself with permissible things, such as following useful Islamic channels, associating with righteous youth, and participating in beneficial activities with them.

As for some people's immersion in forbidden amusements and desires, do not be deceived by them, for they are in distress and misery. Whoever turns away from the remembrance of Allah will have a constricted life. Their amusement is merely to distract themselves from the effects of sins, such as worry and grief, for sin causes darkness in the heart, blackness in the face, constriction in sustenance, and hatred in the hearts of people.