Is it possible for a young man who is not a prophet and does not possess the financial means to marry to completely avoid masturbation throughout his life? And is this possible or impossible, even if it is said that some Companions did so or permitted it?

It is possible to refrain from marriage, which is one of the religious obligations involving hardship. Praise has been given to the young person who grows up in worship, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Indeed, Allah Almighty is amazed by a young person who has no youthful follies." Some scholars, such as Imam al-Nawawi and Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, refrained from marriage, and their hardship was no different from the hardship of someone who did not marry due to a financial excuse. The difference lies in aspirations and interests. Refraining from fornication is out of fear of Allah and seeking His pleasure. Even if a servant finds hardship in it at the beginning, Allah will ease it for him and guide him, in accordance with His saying, the Most High: "And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good," and His saying, the Most High: "And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect," and the saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "Whoever seeks chastity, Allah will make him chaste," and "You will not abandon anything for the sake of Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, except that Allah will replace it with something better for you," and "Whoever seeks good will be given it, and whoever seeks to avoid evil will be protected from it."