Hadith #1567

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

كَمْ مِنْ نَظْرَة جَلَبَتْ حَسْرَةً۔

This can be translated as,

How many gazes have led to regret!

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of casting inappropriate glances and the subsequent remorse that follows.

The word (nazrah) "نَظْرَة" refers to a glance or a look. It signifies the act of directing one's eyes towards something or someone. The word (jalabat) "جَلَبَتْ" is derived from the root "ج ل ب" which means to bring or to cause. It implies that these gazes have brought or caused something, in this case, (hasrah) "حَسْرَةً" which means regret or sorrow.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of guarding our eyes and being mindful of where we direct our gaze. It serves as a reminder that our eyes have the power to lead us towards regret and sorrow if we use them inappropriately. Islam encourages modesty and discourages any form of immodest or lustful glances.

The Quran provides guidance on this matter in several verses. In Surah An-Nur (24:30), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.

This verse instructs Muslim men to lower their gaze, indicating that it is a commandment from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to protect their modesty and avoid any potential harm that may arise from inappropriate glances.

Similarly, in Surah An-Nur (24:31), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) addresses the believing women and says,

And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not display their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not display their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.

This verse highlights the importance of modesty for women and advises them to lower their gaze and guard their modesty.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of their actions, particularly in relation to their gaze. It reminds us that our eyes are a window to our souls and that we should use them in a way that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Casting inappropriate glances can lead to regret and sorrow, as it may lead to sinful thoughts, desires, or actions.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions. It reminds us that even seemingly small actions, such as a glance, can have significant impacts on our spiritual well-being. By being mindful of our gaze and striving to lower it when necessary, we can protect ourselves from falling into sin and experiencing the subsequent regret and sorrow.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their gaze and to lower it when necessary. It highlights the consequences of inappropriate glances and the regret that follows. By following the guidance of the Quran and being conscious of our actions, we can strive to protect our modesty and maintain a pure heart. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to control our gazes and protect ourselves from any form of immodesty.