How can a married man, who enjoys a stable life and many blessings, rid himself of his attachment to another woman and return to his normal life and his relationship with his wife and family, especially since this attachment causes him psychological distress and disarray in his life?

One afflicted with 'ishq (passionate love) must sever ties with the woman and repent for what has passed, for 'ishq is a disease that afflicts the heart. Its beginnings are easy and sweet, its middle is worry, preoccupation of the heart, and sickness, and its end is destruction and death, if not for divine care.

To cure this ailment: The lover must know that what he is afflicted with is contrary to Tawhid (monotheism), and he must occupy his heart with apparent and hidden acts of worship. Increase reliance and supplication to Allah Almighty to turn it away from him, and for his heart to return to Him. The best remedy is sincerity to Allah. If the heart dedicates its actions sincerely to Allah, then the love of images will not be able to take hold of it, as Allah Almighty says: "Thus it was that We might avert from him evil and immorality. Indeed, he was one of Our chosen servants." (Yusuf: 12:24).

For future prevention of this ailment: Lowering the gaze, for it is a poisoned arrow from the arrows of Iblis (Satan). Occupying the heart with fear and hope, and remembering that blessings are preserved through gratitude and removed by sins, as Allah Almighty says: "And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'" (Ibrahim: 14:7). And as Al-Shafi'i (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "If you are in a blessing, take care of it, For sins remove blessings. Guard it by obeying the Lord of all servants, For the Lord of all servants is swift in retribution."