Hadith #8007

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of controlling our desires and urges, specifically focusing on the act of lowering our gaze. The Imam beautifully describes the one who curtails their lustful desires and lowers their gaze as being virtuous and praiseworthy.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (sārif) "صارِفُ" refers to someone who diverts or turns away from something. In this context, it signifies diverting oneself from indulging in lustful desires. The term (ash-shahawāt) "الشَّهَواتِ" refers to carnal desires or passions that can lead to immoral actions if not controlled.

The phrase (ghaddu al-abṣār) "غَضُّ الأبْصارِ" translates to "lowering the gaze." It emphasizes the act of consciously averting one's eyes from anything that may incite desire or lead to sinful thoughts. This includes refraining from looking at inappropriate images, avoiding prolonged eye contact with the opposite gender, and being mindful of one's surroundings.

The significance of lowering the gaze is not only emphasized in this hadith but also in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nur, verse 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 Muslim men to lower their gaze as a means of preserving their modesty and protecting themselves from falling into sinful behavior. It serves as a reminder that controlling one's desires and maintaining modesty is a fundamental aspect of faith.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 32, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises both men and women:

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 avoiding any actions or situations that may lead to immoral behavior. Lowering the gaze is a proactive measure to prevent oneself from approaching the boundaries of sin and to maintain purity in thought and action.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the significance of controlling our desires and urges. By curbing our lustful inclinations and lowering our gaze, we protect ourselves from falling into sin and strengthen our spiritual connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Lowering the gaze not only safeguards our own souls but also promotes a healthy and respectful society. It fosters a culture of modesty, respect, and purity, where individuals are valued for their character and intellect rather than objectified for their physical appearance.

Moreover, the act of lowering the gaze cultivates self-discipline and self-control. It trains the individual to be mindful of their thoughts and actions, promoting a sense of inner peace and tranquility. By consciously diverting our attention from that which may incite desire, we develop a stronger sense of willpower and resilience against temptations.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to control their lustful desires by lowering their gaze. This act of self-discipline aligns with the teachings of the Quran, emphasizing the importance of modesty, purity, and self-control. By implementing this practice, we not only protect ourselves from falling into sin but also contribute to the establishment of a virtuous and respectful society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to follow the teachings of our beloved Prophet (ﷺ) and his noble Ahl al-Bayt.