Is the sin of a young man who became accustomed to looking at forbidden things, then repented, and then thought about returning to the sin without actually committing it, the same as the sin of one who actually committed the sin and saw the indecent images, or is it lesser? And what helps him remain steadfast in his repentance?

It is forbidden for a Muslim to look at pornographic images because it involves transgressing the limits of Allah and violating His sanctities, and it may lead to forbidden masturbation. Allah has also commanded the believers to lower their gaze and guard their private parts, because that purifies their hearts and souls. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, warned against sitting in pathways without giving the path its due right of lowering the gaze and refraining from causing harm.

As for merely intending to commit a sin without acting upon it, it is recorded as a lesser sin than if it were committed. If a Muslim abandons this sin out of fear of Allah, it is recorded as a good deed for him, because this abandonment is considered a struggle against the self and obedience to Allah. Therefore, sincere repentance is necessary, along with the firm intention not to return to such matters, and to hasten to marry for whoever is able, or to fast for whoever is not able.