Protecting The Gaze

Protecting the Gaze

Saturday, 09 February 2008 16:12

Summary of Letter:

Bismihi Ta’ala

Respected Mufti Saheb

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh

I am entrapped in the disease of casting lustful glances at women. Kindly give me some advice to remedy this situation.

Summary of Reply:

Bismihi Ta’ala

Respected Brother / Sister

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh

If the glance falls unintentionally, no sin has been incurred. However, to  continue looking and derive pleasure from that glance is an illness which requires treatment. The treatment is to immediately close the shutters that Allah Ta’ala has created above and below the eyes. Furthermore, sit in solitude, close your eyes and meditate: “If my Ustaad or Sheikh was present will I cast any lustful glance? Never! How then can I cast lustful glances in the presence of Allah Ta’ala – that Being who knows the deception of the eyes and what the hearts conceal.” Also keep in mind the warning that has been mentioned in the Hadith for casting lustful glances. It is reported that molten lead will be poured into the eyes of such people.

One pious person states: “While making tawaaf of the Haram Shareef, I saw a person who had only one eye. He was continuously making the following dua: “O Allah I seek refuge in You from Yourself.” I asked him the reason for this strange dua. He replied: “For the past twelve years I had been in I’tikaaf in the Haram Shareef. One day my glance fell upon a woman who was making tawaaf. I became enchanted by her beauty and looked at her again. From the unseen a hand appeared and slapped me in such a manner that my one eye fell off. When I screamed in pain, a voice said to me: “This is the retribution for one glance. If you had continued further, we too would have taken further action.” Hence from that day I continuously make this dua: “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from Yourself.” (Tarbiyatut Taalibeen – pg.218)