The Role of Islamic Teachings in Overcoming Sexual Addictions: The Lived Experience of Sexual Addicts

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Jurisprudence and Law, Imam Khomeini Research Institute, Tehran, Iran

2 PhD Candidate in Sociology, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Extended Abstract
 
Introduction and Objectives: Sexual addiction is a complex and multifaceted issue that creates significant challenges at the individual, family, and social levels. It encompasses behaviors, tendencies, fantasies, and habits that are difficult to control and that disrupt daily life. While as old as humanity itself, sexual addiction today has intensified, particularly among young people and adolescents who are widely exposed to the internet and pornographic content. The prevalence of such problems highlights the urgent need to study them, especially in a society like Iran where Islam—as a comprehensive religion—offers preventive and practical solutions to many human challenges.
As an educational and moral system, Islam seeks to nurture virtuous individuals and, therefore, must not be silent in addressing an issue arising from one of the strongest human instincts. This study aims to identify Islamic strategies for resisting lust and overcoming sexual addiction, while also evaluating the effectiveness and practical application of these strategies in the lived experience of individuals who have successfully abandoned such addictions.
Methodology: This applied qualitative study employed a phenomenological design with a descriptive strategy. The target group comprised young men and women aged 15–35 who had previously experienced at least one form of sexual addiction but reported complete recovery. A purposive sample of 14 individuals (10 men and 4 women) was selected through social media channels (specifically Telegram groups focused on sexual addiction recovery). Semi-structured, in-depth interviews lasting 50–80 minutes were conducted, exploring participants’ lived experiences, motivations, triggers, and supportive strategies in overcoming sexual addiction. Sampling continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis followed Colaizzi’s seven-step method.
Findings: The results indicate that most of the strategies used by participants directly or indirectly align with Islamic teachings, particularly guidance from the Qur’an and the infallible Imams (peace be upon them). Key Islamic principles that proved beneficial include:

Emphasis on hope in God’s mercy and acceptance of repentance;
Reassurance that God sees human struggles and is the ultimate source of help;
Recognition of the meaningfulness and purposefulness of creation;
Promises of divine reward for endurance of hardships;
Performance of religious duties and recommended acts such as prayer, Qur’an recitation, supplication, and fasting;
Avoidance of isolation and engagement in constructive activities;
Forgiveness of others and letting go of the past;
Avoiding unnecessary disputes, focusing on self-discipline, and adopting structured life plans;
Careful selection of friends and companions.

These teachings influenced recovery in two main ways:

Directly, by instilling feelings of guilt, spiritual distance from God, and the motivation to repent and return, reinforced by concrete religious recommendations.
Indirectly, by fostering motivation and strengthening willpower, thereby enabling individuals to employ other recovery strategies presented in books or digital platforms.

Discussion and Conclusion: Islamic teachings can play a crucial role in overcoming first-level sexual addictions (such as masturbation and pornography consumption) and second-level behaviors (such as voyeurism). Islam, with its comprehensive guidance, provides practical solutions to both individual and social challenges. Applying these solutions can help individuals break free from addiction, achieve personal and spiritual success, and balance worldly goals with preparation for the hereafter.
Many of these strategies transcend time, addressing both historical and modern needs. For example, Islam’s emphasis on the meaningfulness of creation offers a response to today’s crisis of meaning and nihilism. Recognizing creation’s purpose as growth and character-building motivates individuals to pursue meaningful goals and persevere in their efforts.
Islam thus holds considerable potential for addressing contemporary problems, including sexual addiction. Proper recognition and application of these teachings can help resolve both personal and societal crises.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Islam and Social Sciences
Volume 16, Issue 33 - Serial Number 33
December 2024
Pages 119-140

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