In the Qur'an, Allah clearly commands both men and women to lower their gaze and preserve modesty:
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is All-Aware of what they do.”
(Surah An-Nur, 24:30)“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts…”
(Surah An-Nur, 24:31)
Why Lowering the Gaze Matters
The eyes are a gateway to the heart. A single unguarded look can lead to desire, sin, and eventually the breakdown of personal spiritual integrity. Islam teaches self-restraint, and the command to lower the gaze is one of its key principles in preserving dignity, chastity, and moral clarity.
The Rule: Haram Unless Necessary
Just like certain forbidden acts become temporarily permissible in extreme necessity—such as eating pork when starving to death—looking at the opposite gender becomes allowed only if absolutely necessary.
This is supported by Islamic legal principles:
“Necessities make prohibitions permissible.”
(Al-Qawa'id al-Fiqhiyyah: Legal Maxims of Islamic Law)
Examples where necessity may allow looking include:
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Medical treatment when no same-gender doctor is available.
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Legal testimony or investigation in a Shariah court.
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Marriage proposal where brief, modest looking is permitted.
But even in these cases:
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The look must not be with desire.
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It must be limited to the need.
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Avoided as soon as the necessity ends.
The Danger of Justifying the Haram
Today, visual exposure is constant—TV, internet, billboards. Some Muslims may say, “I just looked, not acted.” But the Prophet ï·º warned:
“The eyes also commit zina (adultery), and their zina is the lustful look.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 6243; Sahih Muslim, 2657)
One look can spark a chain reaction of lust, addiction, or even physical sin. That’s why Islam cuts the problem from the root — the gaze.
A Reminder for the Heart
Lowering the gaze isn't just about what we see — it's about who we are. Every time you resist looking, you obey Allah, protect your heart, and build your taqwa.
So, treat your gaze like your tongue during Ramadan — control it, guard it, and remember that Allah is watching even when no one else is.
Conclusion:
Looking at the opposite gender is haram unless truly necessary, and even then, strict limits apply. Just as you wouldn’t eat haram food unless starving, don’t look unless there's a Shariah-approved reason—and even then, without desire and with fear of Allah.
“Indeed, those who fear Allah when touched by evil, they remember (Him) and immediately see (clearly).”
(Surah Al-A’raf, 7:201)