Hadith #8006

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,

نِعْمَ الوَرَعُ غَضُّ الطَّرْفِ۔

This can be translated as,

How good an act of piety lowering the gaze is!

In this beautiful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the virtue and importance of lowering one's gaze.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (ni'ma) "نِعْمَ" means "how good" or "what a blessing." (al-wara') "الوَرَعُ" refers to piety, righteousness, and the fear of Allah. It encompasses avoiding sinful acts and striving to fulfill one's religious obligations. (ghaddu al-tarf) "غَضُّ الطَّرْفِ" means "lowering the gaze." It signifies refraining from looking at anything that is impermissible or may lead to temptation.

To understand the significance of this act of piety, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nur (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 commands Muslim men to lower their gaze, emphasizing the purity and righteousness that comes from doing so.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:26), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the consequences of not lowering one's gaze. He says,

O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness - that is best. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember.

This verse highlights the importance of adorning oneself with righteousness and modesty, which includes lowering the gaze.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the immense reward and benefit of practicing this act of piety. By lowering our gaze, we protect ourselves from falling into sin, maintaining our purity and guarding our hearts and minds. It is a means of preserving our modesty and upholding the values of Islam.

Lowering the gaze not only has personal benefits but also contributes to a healthier and more respectful society. It helps to prevent illicit relationships, protects the sanctity of marriages, and promotes a culture of modesty and decency. By practicing this act of piety, we create an environment where individuals are valued for their character and intellect rather than their physical appearance.

Moreover, lowering the gaze cultivates a sense of self-discipline and self-control. It teaches us to prioritize our spiritual well-being over fleeting desires and worldly distractions. It is a manifestation of our submission to Allah's commandments and a reflection of our love and reverence for Him.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the importance of lowering the gaze as an act of piety. By refraining from looking at what is impermissible, we protect ourselves from sin, maintain our purity, and contribute to a more modest and respectful society. Let us strive to embody this virtue and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives. May Allah guide us and grant us the strength to practice this act of piety.