In the journey to purity, many sincere brothers face a subtle yet dangerous trap:
“If I see women as sisters, then looking—even at their bodies—shouldn’t affect me.”
It sounds noble, even logical. But this mindset is a deception—whispered by Shaytan and rooted in self-delusion. Let’s unpack this.
The Illusion of Purity
Seeing women as sisters is a beautiful intention. Islam teaches us to honor every woman with dignity, respect, and protection—just like we’d do for our own blood sister.
But if that thought is followed by:
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“So I can watch women in revealing clothes,” or worse,
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“Even nude—since I’m seeing them like sisters,”
Then something is very wrong. Because you would never feel pleasure or curiosity watching your actual sister in such a state. That’s not purity—that’s lust wrapped in false logic.
The Eye is the Gateway
Allah commands:
"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze..." (Qur'an 24:30)
This isn’t just about avoiding porn or zina. It’s about guarding the heart. Even one look can plant a seed of desire that grows silently.
You may think you're in control—but the more you look, the more the heart softens toward sin and hardens toward Allah.
When the Heart is Truly Pure
A pure heart doesn’t test its limits. It runs from fitnah, like Prophet Yusuf (as) ran from the wife of the minister. He didn’t say, “I’m strong, I can handle it.” He said:
“I prefer prison over what they call me to.” (Qur'an 12:33)
True purity means:
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Lowering your gaze from all women, even if you call them “sisters.”
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Avoiding any look, sound, or image that invites lust—even slightly.
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Being honest with yourself: Does this make me closer to Allah, or my desires?
The Way Out of the Trap
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Reject the Whisper
Tell yourself: “If I truly see her as a sister, I’ll protect her honor, not consume her body.” -
Guard the Eyes First
No matter how “normal” or casual it seems—lower your gaze. -
Be Real About Weakness
Don’t wait to fall before realizing you’re on the edge. Choose strength early. -
Repent and Rebuild
If you slipped—like many do—don’t stay in guilt. Rise. Cleanse your eyes, heart, and soul. Allah sees your fight.
Final Thought
Purity isn’t about proving you can stare and not fall. It’s about fearing Allah enough not to try. Don’t wait to get burned to realize the fire is real.
Lower your gaze. Purify your soul. Love Allah more than your desires.