Hadith #10901

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The cornerstone of piety is lowering one’s gaze.

This impactful saying highlights the importance of controlling our gaze and avoiding inappropriate sights. Let us delve deeper into the meaning and significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key phrase in this Hadith is (ghaddu al-tarf) "غَضُّ الطَّرْفِ", which translates to "lowering one's gaze." The word "ghadd" refers to the act of lowering or casting down, while "tarf" refers to the gaze or sight. This phrase emphasizes the need to consciously divert our eyes away from anything that may lead to temptation or sin.

The Quran supports the concept of lowering one's gaze in several verses. In Surah An-Nur (24:30), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands both men and women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty:

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 clearly indicates that lowering the gaze is a commandment for all Muslims, regardless of gender.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:27), the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) serves as a powerful example of the consequences of not lowering one's gaze. When Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was tempted by the wife of the Egyptian minister, he sought refuge in Allah and turned away from her advances. This act of lowering his gaze and seeking protection from Allah saved him from falling into sin.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that lowering our gaze is not merely a physical act but also a reflection of our inner piety. It is a manifestation of our commitment to Allah's commandments and our desire to protect our hearts and souls from impurities. By controlling our gaze, we demonstrate our self-discipline and our dedication to maintaining a pure and righteous character.

Lowering our gaze has numerous benefits and consequences. Firstly, it helps us avoid falling into the trap of lust and desire. In today's world, where inappropriate images and temptations are easily accessible, controlling our gaze becomes even more crucial. It protects us from indulging in sinful thoughts and actions that can lead to spiritual and emotional harm.

Secondly, lowering our gaze fosters respect and honor in our interactions with others. When we avert our eyes from staring or objectifying others, we acknowledge their dignity and worth as fellow human beings. This promotes a culture of modesty, decency, and mutual respect within society.

Moreover, lowering our gaze cultivates mindfulness and self-awareness. It trains us to be conscious of our thoughts and intentions, reminding us of our accountability to Allah. By constantly redirecting our gaze towards what is permissible and beneficial, we develop a heightened sense of mindfulness in our daily lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the cornerstone of piety lies in lowering our gaze. This practice is not limited to physical actions but encompasses our inner intentions and desires. By controlling our gaze, we protect ourselves from temptation, uphold our dignity, and foster a culture of respect and modesty. May Allah guide us all in implementing this important teaching in our lives and grant us the strength to overcome our weaknesses.