Hadith #8010

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ أطْلَقَ طَرْفَهُ جَلَبَ (اِجْتَلَبَ) حَتْفَهُ۔

This can be translated as:

One who frees his gaze occasions (or brings about) his [own] destruction.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (atlaqa) "أطْلَقَ" means to free or release. In this context, it refers to freeing one's gaze, which means to refrain from looking at that which is impermissible or inappropriate. The word (tarfahu) "طَرْفَهُ" refers to the gaze or glance, and (jalaba) "جَلَبَ" means to occasion or bring about. Finally, (hatfahu) "حَتْفَهُ" means destruction or ruin.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nur (24:30):

Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of lowering one's gaze and guarding one's modesty. By restraining our gaze, we protect ourselves from falling into sin and maintain our purity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:32), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises:

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse highlights the gravity of indulging in unlawful desires and the consequences it brings. By freeing our gaze from that which is forbidden, we distance ourselves from the path of immorality and safeguard our faith and integrity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of controlling our gaze. When we allow our eyes to wander and indulge in inappropriate sights, we expose ourselves to the risk of spiritual and moral destruction. Our gaze has the power to ignite desires and lead us towards sinful actions. By freeing our gaze, we protect ourselves from the temptations of this world and preserve our spiritual well-being.

The consequences of not restraining our gaze can be far-reaching. It can lead to a gradual erosion of our moral compass, desensitizing us to the gravity of sin. It can also damage our relationships, as it may breed jealousy, mistrust, and dissatisfaction within marriages and families. Moreover, it can have a detrimental impact on our mental and emotional well-being, as we become consumed by worldly desires and distractions.

On the other hand, when we consciously choose to lower our gaze and refrain from looking at that which is forbidden, we cultivate a sense of self-discipline and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By guarding our eyes, we demonstrate our commitment to righteousness and obedience. We become more aware of the beauty and blessings that surround us, focusing on what truly matters in life.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to free their gaze from that which is impermissible. By restraining our gaze, we protect ourselves from the destructive consequences of indulging in forbidden sights. It is through this self-discipline that we can strengthen our faith, preserve our moral integrity, and maintain a sense of purity in our hearts and souls. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to follow the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).