Do Not Go Near It

A few other things before the sūrah is finished. This notion occurs a good deal: when it comes to zinā, Allah (swt) in the Qur'an does not generally say do not do it; the wording is generally do not go near it. Because it is a very slippery slope. Such is the way the human psyche is made, that as soon as a man sees something that attracts him — do not even begin there, for it is very easy: from the look to the conversation to the text message to the touch, and so it goes on. So be very careful of obscenity and such things, and stay very far from them, for it is a very slippery slope.

In verses 18 and 19 Allah (swt) speaks of this: if you want the world, We can give it to you, that is no difficulty; but remember that the real one is of the Hereafter, and that will be far more worth your time and your effort in what is to come.