Hadith #1565

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,

عَمَى البَصَرِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ كَثير مِنَ النَّظَرِ۔

This Hadith can be translated into English as,

The blinding of sight is better than a lot of gazing [at what is forbidden].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The word (ama) "عَمَى" refers to the blinding or loss of sight, while (basar) "بَصَرِ" means sight or vision. The word (khayr) "خَيْرٌ" means better or preferable, and (katheer) "كَثِيرٌ" means a lot or abundant. Finally, (nathar) "النَّظَرِ" refers to gazing or looking at something.

This Hadith highlights the importance of guarding our eyes and refraining from indulging in forbidden sights. It emphasizes that it is better to lose our physical sight than to engage in excessive gazing at what is prohibited in Islam. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging Muslims to be cautious and mindful of what they look at, as it has a profound impact on their spiritual well-being.

The Quran supports this teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in several verses. In Surah An-Nur, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 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 clearly instructs believers, both men and women, to lower their gaze and protect their modesty. By doing so, they purify themselves and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against following one's desires and indulging in what is forbidden. He says, (Quran 17:32)

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of restraining our desires and avoiding any actions that lead to sin. It serves as a reminder that gazing at what is forbidden can lead to immoral behavior and corruption of the soul.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to prioritize their spiritual well-being over their physical desires. It reminds us that restraining our gaze and avoiding forbidden sights is not a restriction, but rather a means of protection and purification. By controlling our eyes and being mindful of what we look at, we shield ourselves from the negative consequences of indulging in what is prohibited.

Excessive gazing at what is forbidden can lead to various negative consequences. It can corrupt our hearts, weaken our faith, and distance us from the path of righteousness. It can also lead to the erosion of moral values and the breakdown of societal norms. Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and protect themselves from the harmful effects of indulging in what is forbidden.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to be conscious of our gaze and make a conscious effort to lower our gaze when faced with temptation. We should remember that our eyes are a trust from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and should be used in a manner that pleases Him. By doing so, we not only protect ourselves from sin but also strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and enhance our spiritual well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of guarding our eyes and refraining from excessive gazing at what is forbidden. It reminds us that our spiritual well-being should take precedence over our physical desires. By controlling our gaze, we protect ourselves from the negative consequences of indulging in what is prohibited and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and protect our hearts and souls from the harms of forbidden sights.