Finding a Way Out of Porn Addiction - Assalamu alaikum

Assalamu alaikum. Addictions show up in many ways, and those tied to lust and pornography can really hurt our faith and character. I want to share something that helped many people - believers and non-believers alike. Allah guided me to it, and it changed a lot for me. I hope it helps others who are struggling. The first step is recognizing this isn’t just a body problem - it’s in the heart and mind too. Constant giving in to low desires stains the heart and makes us selfish. We start chasing our own pleasure above everything else. Like many, I thought sheer willpower, strict routines, or discipline would fix it. Each time I slipped back. I realized it wasn’t just a bad habit - it feels like your own mind convincing you to do what you know will harm you. Just when you think you’re past it, a voice pushes you to give in and you find yourself binging. Sound familiar? That’s how the nafs al-ammarah works. So when your own self seems to betray you, where do you turn? We turn to Allah in humble surrender. We admit we can’t control everything by ourselves and submit to His guidance. That’s the true meaning of being a Muslim - submitting with sincerity. Sincerity means letting go of selfish wants, not only lust but all the little desires that pull us away from Allah. Instead of praying only for jobs, cars, or spouses, try praying like this: “O Allah, I place myself in Your care. Guide me and use me as You know best. Free me from selfishness so I can live the way You want. Help me face my struggles so others can see Your mercy working through me.” That kind of sincere surrender leads to real change. The saints (awliya) lived like this. When we stop insisting on controlling every outcome and accept life as Allah wills, we find a calmness inside - rida bil-qadr, contentment with God’s decree. If you want a practical resource, look up the Plain Language Big Book - it’s written by a non-Muslim but there’s a lot in it that lines up with Islamic teachings about surrender and recovery. Many have found it helpful alongside their faith. If anyone wants to talk about this or has questions, feel free to reach out. You’re not alone - may Allah grant us strength and sincerity.