Hadith #8004

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ غَضَّ طَرْفَهُ أراحَ قَلْبَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who lowers his gaze relieves his heart.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom behind this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (ghadda) "غَضَّ" in the Hadith refers to the act of lowering or averting one's gaze. It signifies the conscious effort to divert one's eyes away from anything that may lead to temptation or distraction. By doing so, a person protects their heart from being affected by impure thoughts, desires, or negative influences.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of lowering the gaze in the Quran. In Surah An-Nur, Allah says, (24:30)

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 highlights that lowering the gaze is not only a means of preserving one's heart, but it is also a means of maintaining purity and guarding oneself against immoral actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah narrates the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his encounter with the two daughters of Prophet Shu'aib. When Musa helped them and walked ahead of them, Allah says, (28:23)

So when he came to the water of Madyan, he found there a crowd of people watering [their flocks], and he found aside from them two women driving back [their flocks]. He said, 'What is your circumstance?' They said, 'We do not water until the shepherds dispatch [their flocks]; and our father is an old man'

Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) lowered his gaze and did not engage in unnecessary conversation with the women. This serves as an example of how even the prophets of Allah practiced the act of lowering their gaze.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that by lowering our gaze, we can find tranquility and peace in our hearts. When we avert our eyes from inappropriate sights, we protect ourselves from the negative effects they can have on our souls. This act of self-discipline allows us to maintain a pure heart and a clear conscience.

Lowering the gaze not only safeguards our hearts but also has wider implications for society. It promotes modesty, respect, and decency in our interactions with others. By respecting the boundaries of others and not indulging in inappropriate glances, we create an environment of trust and dignity. This fosters healthy relationships and contributes to the overall well-being of the community.

Moreover, the act of lowering the gaze is not limited to physical sight alone. It also extends to guarding our thoughts and intentions. It reminds us to be mindful of our inner gaze, ensuring that our thoughts and desires are in line with the teachings of Islam. By purifying our intentions and focusing on what is pleasing to Allah, we can attain spiritual elevation and strengthen our connection with Him.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of lowering our gaze to protect our hearts from impurities. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of modesty, self-discipline, and maintaining purity in our thoughts and actions. By practicing this noble act, we can find solace, tranquility, and peace within ourselves, while also contributing to a virtuous and respectful society. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the strength to lower our gaze for the sake of our hearts and souls.