Hadith #8014

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "العُيُونُ مَصائِدُ الشَّيْطانِ۔" This Hadith emphasizes the significance of guarding our eyes from falling into the snares of Satan. Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

Firstly, "العُيُونُ" refers to the eyes, which are a precious gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Our eyes enable us to perceive the world around us and are a means through which we gain knowledge and experience. However, they can also be a source of temptation and distraction if not used wisely.

Secondly, "مَصائِدُ" translates to "hunting traps" or "snares." This word signifies the deceptive tactics employed by Satan to entrap and mislead human beings. Satan seeks to exploit our weaknesses and lead us astray from the path of righteousness. Our eyes, being one of the most vulnerable senses, can easily become a target for his traps.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and vigilant in protecting their eyes from the snares of Satan. It highlights the importance of controlling our gaze and being mindful of what we look at.

The Quran provides guidance on this matter, emphasizing the need to lower our gaze and guard our eyes. In Surah An-Nur (24:30), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is acquainted with what they do.

This verse directs both men and women to lower their gaze, indicating that it is a commandment for all Muslims.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:29), we find another verse that advises Prophet Musa (Moses) to lower his gaze. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when he went toward the fire, he was called, 'O Moses, indeed, I am your Lord, so remove your sandals. Indeed, you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa. And I have chosen you, so listen to what is revealed to you. Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance. Indeed, the Hour is coming - I almost conceal it - so that every soul may be recompensed according to that for which it strives. So do not let one avert you from it who does not believe in it and follows his desire, for you then would perish.'

From these verses, we understand that lowering our gaze is a means of purifying our hearts and protecting ourselves from the temptations of Satan. It is a reflection of our obedience to Allah's commandments and a demonstration of our self-control and piety.

The consequences of not guarding our eyes can be severe. When we allow our gaze to wander and indulge in inappropriate sights, it can lead to sinful thoughts, desires, and actions. It can weaken our faith and distance us from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Moreover, it can damage our relationships, as it may lead to infidelity, jealousy, and mistrust.

On the other hand, by controlling our gaze and protecting our eyes, we can strengthen our spirituality and maintain a pure heart. It allows us to focus on what is beneficial and virtuous, enabling us to lead a righteous and fulfilling life. It helps us develop a strong sense of self-discipline and self-restraint, which are essential qualities for a Muslim.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their eyes and to guard them from the snares of Satan. By controlling our gaze and lowering our eyes, we can protect ourselves from falling into sin and maintain a pure heart. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to follow this guidance and protect our eyes from the traps of Satan.