"In trying to stay away and save ourselves from sin, we should keep two things in mind. The first is that we seek the help of our Creator and Rabb; for without His help we will never be able to save ourselves. The second is that we must use all the courage and will power we can muster.

We find this in the actions of Prophet Yūsuf alayhis salam that when he was faced with the situation of falling into sin, he first invoked Allāh ta'ala for assistance, and then he hastened towards the locked doors. He did what was in his ability, and as the Qur'ān records, Allah ta'ala saved him by opening the doors as he approached them.

So, to be able to save oneself from sin, the use of whatever ability one has is necessary in combination with seeking Allāh's Help. Only then will success be achieved..."

Courtesy of In Shaykh's Company: a blog maintained by the students of Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah www.shaykh.org