What is the path to steadfastness, and how does the heart become purified from the love of effeminate boys? What is the cure for a dead heart, especially after I pledged to God at the Kaaba to be righteous, following my recovery from a serious illness with which I was afflicted due to abandoning some prayers, breaking my fast in Ramadan, and committing adultery and sodomy?

To remain steadfast, one should supplicate to Allah for firmness, associate with the righteous, and regularly attend lessons of knowledge and circles of remembrance.

To treat infatuation with boys (ghilmān): One should recall the ugliness of this act and its divergence from natural disposition (fitra), and remember the punishment of the people of Lut.

To treat a hardened heart: One should constantly remember Allah, turn to Him, ponder the Quran, perform many supererogatory acts of worship and night prayers, be kind to orphans, associate with people of goodness, frequently remember death and the horrors that follow it, and contemplate standing before Allah.