Alqamah (may Allah have mercy on him) says that once I was with Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him), who was sitting with Sayyiduna Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him). Sayyiduna Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) asked him, "What remains with you regarding women?" When the mention of women came up, Sayyiduna Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) told me to come closer, as I was young at that time. Then Sayyiduna Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) himself said that once the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came to a group of young emigrants and said, "Whoever among you is able should get married, for it lowers the gaze and protects the private parts. And whoever is not able, he should fast, for it diminishes desire."