Hadith #8002

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

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

Ghadh al-tarf min afḍal al-waraci,

which translates to

Lowering the gaze is one of the best [acts of] piety.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of controlling one's gaze and avoiding looking at that which is forbidden.

The word "ghadh" refers to lowering or averting the gaze, while "tarf" refers to the eyes or the glance. This Hadith encourages Muslims to be mindful of their gaze and to avoid looking at anything that is inappropriate or forbidden in Islam. It highlights the significance of guarding one's eyes and controlling one's desires.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs believers in Surah An-Nur, verse 30:

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 emphasizes the importance of lowering the gaze and guarding one's modesty, as it leads to purity and righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 32, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse warns against approaching any form of indecency, including looking at that which is forbidden. Lowering the gaze is a means to protect oneself from falling into sinful acts and to maintain one's moral integrity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds great wisdom and significance. By lowering our gaze, we not only protect ourselves from sinful thoughts and actions, but we also demonstrate our obedience to Allah's commandments. It is an act of self-discipline and self-control, which strengthens our faith and purifies our hearts.

Lowering the gaze is not limited to refraining from looking at the opposite gender inappropriately. It extends to avoiding all forms of visual temptation, such as explicit content, immodest advertisements, and anything that may lead to sinful thoughts or actions. By practicing this act of piety, we cultivate a sense of modesty, respect, and purity within ourselves.

The consequences of not lowering the gaze can be detrimental to our spiritual well-being. Constantly indulging in inappropriate sights can lead to a desensitization to sin, weakening our faith and distancing us from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It can also lead to the erosion of our moral values, causing harm to ourselves and others.

On the other hand, when we lower our gaze, we protect our hearts and minds from impurity. We develop a heightened sense of awareness and mindfulness, which allows us to focus on what truly matters in our lives. By guarding our eyes, we create an environment of respect and dignity, fostering healthy relationships and promoting a society based on moral values.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teachings, we are reminded of the importance of self-discipline and self-control in our daily lives. Lowering the gaze is not just an act of piety, but it is also a means to strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to protect our hearts from the corruption of this world. Let us strive to implement this noble teaching in our lives and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) by guarding our gaze and upholding the principles of modesty and righteousness.