In today’s digital world, free pornography and social media have become major sources of temptation. Unlike the past, where avoiding zina (fornication) required resisting a physical invitation, today’s tests are different. Women openly display themselves online, inviting men into sin.
Islam commands men to lower their gaze and avoid anything that leads to sin. But what happens when women actively expose themselves and invite men to look at them? Does the hadith about resisting a woman’s invitation to sin apply to modern online temptations?
This blog post explores this question based on the Quran, hadith, and Islamic teachings.
Quranic Command: Lowering the Gaze
Islam clearly instructs men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. Allah says:
"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."
(Quran, Surah An-Nur, 24:30)
This verse commands men to avoid looking at anything sinful intentionally. However, in the modern world, women on pornography websites, social media, and dating apps intentionally expose themselves, forcing men to see them.
Does this mean the hadith about resisting zina applies to avoiding pornography? Let’s explore.
Hadith: Resisting Temptation for Allah’s Sake
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"There are seven whom Allah will shade with His shade on the Day when there will be no shade except His: … a man who is invited by a woman of beauty and status (to commit zina) but he says: 'I fear Allah.'"
(Sahih al-Bukhari 660, Sahih Muslim 1031)
How Does This Relate to Free Online Pornography?
Direct Invitation to Sin
- In the hadith, the woman invites the man to commit zina.
- In pornography, women intentionally expose themselves to attract men into sin.
- A man who refuses to watch it is resisting an invitation to sin, just like in the hadith.
Beauty and Attraction Still Apply
- The hadith mentions a woman of beauty and status.
- In pornography, women may not always have social status, but they are presented as attractive to invite men into lust.
- The real test is not her status, but the man’s ability to resist.
Sin Happens in Secrecy
- The hadith praises the man because he could have sinned in private, but he refrained out of fear of Allah.
- Watching pornography happens in complete secrecy, where no one knows except Allah.
- Resisting this secret sin requires strong faith (taqwa).
Thus, avoiding pornography today is a modern example of the hadith in action.
The Danger of Free Pornography
Many people underestimate the harm of pornography, thinking it is a private sin. However, Islam warns about all sins that lead to immorality.
Allah says:
"And do not approach zina. Indeed, it is an immoral act and an evil way."
(Quran, Surah Al-Isra, 17:32)
How Pornography Leads to Greater Sins
- It corrupts the heart: Watching it increases lust and weakens faith.
- It makes real-life zina easier: Many people who start with pornography later fall into haram relationships.
- It distances a person from Allah: A person addicted to this sin finds it hard to pray, fast, and focus on their deen.
Thus, avoiding it is a true test of faith.
Hadith: The Reward for Resisting Sin
Islam teaches that whoever leaves a sin for Allah’s sake, He will replace it with something better.
- "Whoever strives to stay chaste, Allah will make him self-sufficient." (Sahih Muslim)
- "Whoever leaves something for the sake of Allah, He will compensate him with something better." (Musnad Ahmad 21996)
- "And as for those who feared standing before their Lord and restrained themselves from vain desires, Paradise will be their abode." (Quran, Surah An-Nazi’at, 79:40-41)
Will a Man Who Avoids Pornography Get Allah’s Shade?
- In the hadith, a man who resists a woman’s invitation will get Allah’s shade.
- Free pornography is an open invitation to sin.
- If a man resists watching it for the sake of Allah, he is demonstrating the same taqwa as the man in the hadith.
Thus, he can hope for the same reward from Allah.
Practical Steps to Resist Online Temptations
- Strengthen Your Relationship with Allah: Pray regularly, make dua, and seek Allah’s help in controlling desires.
- Use Digital Barriers: Install website blockers and limit social media to avoid temptation.
- Lower Your Gaze: Train yourself to avoid looking at immodest images or videos.
- Keep Good Company: Surround yourself with friends who encourage purity.
- Remember the Hereafter: Reflect on Allah’s rewards for those who resist sin and the punishments for those who indulge.
Conclusion
The hadith about the man who resists a woman’s invitation to zina applies strongly in today’s digital age. Pornography is a direct invitation to sin, and resisting it purely for Allah’s sake is an act of great taqwa.
A person who avoids free pornography and other online temptations is displaying the same self-restraint praised in the hadith. This can be a means of earning Allah’s special shade on the Day of Judgment.
May Allah grant us the strength to resist all forms of temptation and make us among those who earn His shade. Ameen.