In western societies, we are being tempted by beauty and status in one way or another.

What do you suggest is the best alternative to save oneself?

In Sahih Al-Bukhari, we find a situation where 3 men were trapped in the cave. They got in the cave seeking protection from the rain, but a boulder came in front of the mouth of the cave and it seemed to them like they would die. So, each of them made a dua’; calling on Allah and making tawassul with some righteous deeds which they did. As a result of seeking intercession through their righteous deeds, the boulder was removed from the cave by the mercy of Allah. One of those three men was one who was in a position to exploit a woman but he restrained himself from doing so when she reminded him to fear Allah[1].

Whenever a male or a female restrains themselves and they are in a position to fulfill their desires, Allah rewards them greatly. The Prophet (salallaahu alaihi wasallam) said:

من ترك شيأُ لللّه أو وضع اللّه خيراً منه

“Whoever leaves something for the sake of Allah; Allah will reward them with what is better for them.” [2]

This hadith is one which we need to reflect on especially as we live in a society belonging to the disbelievers, one in which our faith is tested daily, where we are invited by the society to disobey Allah, whether it is through mortgages, insurance or a variety of other things. So, whoever gives up something for the sake of Allah, Allah will replace it with what is better than it. This individual gives up the opportunity for the sake of Allah as there is no one around to prevent him. So, they will be rewarded for this with the shade of Allah’s Throne.

References:

[1] Bukhari, Book 8,Volume 73, Hadith 5

[1] Musnad Imaam  Ahmad 5/363, classed as Sahih: English translation of Musnad Imaam Ahmad bin Hambal, p 249