What is the purpose of Allah's saying: {And let those who find not [the means for] marriage abstain [from sexual relations] until Allah enriches them from His bounty} (Quran 24:33), and was it revealed solely to protect society without regard for the suffering of those unable to marry? What helps in applying this verse, and how can the desires of the heart be averted from it?

To speak about the verses of the Quran in a way that suggests Allah legislates a ruling for the benefit of one group at the expense of another is unbecoming of a believer, for all of Allah’s rulings are justice and mercy. He, glorified be He, is the Wisest of Judges and the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.

Ibn Kathir said in his commentary: "{Is there a disease in their hearts? Or do they doubt? Or do they fear that Allah and His Messenger will deal unjustly with them?}" [An-Nur: 50]. So, whoever thinks that, it is pure disbelief.

The verse you are asking about does not indicate the permissibility of guardians being obstinate regarding marriage. Rather, the verse preceding it commands guardians to facilitate marriage: "{And marry the unmarried among you and the righteous among your male slaves and female slaves. If they should be poor, Allah will enrich them from His bounty, and Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing}" [An-Nur: 32].

If marriage becomes difficult, Allah commanded chastity (al-isti'faf), which is an act of obedience and purification for the soul. A sensible person should not be angered by this ruling, for chastity preserves sacred values and honor.

What helps in achieving chastity is the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) recommendation of fasting for those who cannot marry. Fasting, which guards the hearing and sight from what is unlawful, closing the doors to temptation, staying away from provocations, seeking refuge in Allah, strengthening one's connection with Him, accompanying the righteous, and occupying one's time with beneficial deeds.

The meaning of "warding off the heart's inclinations" is not surrendering to the thoughts that Satan casts, which incite lust. Preserving one's thoughts and not letting them run wild is essential, for they are the root of corruption. Ibn al-Qayyim says that the root of all corruption is from neglecting thoughts.