Hadith #3080

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his companions.

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

Modesty is the lowering of one's gaze.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word "hayaa" in Arabic, which is translated as "modesty" in English, encompasses a range of meanings. It refers to a sense of shame, bashfulness, and humility. It is a quality that restrains a person from engaging in inappropriate behavior and encourages them to uphold moral values. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) specifically highlights the act of "ghaddu al-tarf," which means

lowering of one's gaze.

The act of lowering one's gaze is an essential aspect of modesty. It involves refraining from looking at that which is forbidden or inappropriate. This includes averting one's eyes from indecent sights, such as immodestly dressed individuals or scenes of immorality. By lowering our gaze, we protect ourselves from falling into sin and maintain our purity and dignity.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of modesty and lowering one's gaze in several verses. In Surah An-Nur, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (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 instructs men to lower their gaze and protect their modesty.

Similarly, in Surah An-Nur, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) addresses women and says, (24:31)

And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed

This verse emphasizes the importance of modesty for women and instructs them to lower their gaze and guard their modesty.

The act of lowering one's gaze is not limited to a specific gender but is a command for all Muslims. It is a means of protecting our hearts and minds from impure thoughts and desires. By practicing modesty and lowering our gaze, we cultivate a sense of self-discipline and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The consequences of not adhering to the principle of lowering one's gaze can be detrimental. Engaging in inappropriate gazes can lead to lustful thoughts, which can then lead to sinful actions. It can also damage relationships, create jealousy and mistrust, and contribute to the objectification of individuals. Therefore, by following the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and lowering our gaze, we protect ourselves and others from harm.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of modesty in our daily lives. It serves as a reminder to be mindful of our actions and to strive for purity in our thoughts, words, and deeds. By practicing modesty and lowering our gaze, we uphold the values of Islam and contribute to a society that is based on respect, dignity, and righteousness.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to embody the quality of modesty and to lower our gaze in order to protect our hearts and souls. May He guide us to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quran, and may He bless us with His mercy and forgiveness.