Juz 18: Al-Muʾminūn to Al-Furqān 20
Section 13 of 18 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
13. Lowering Gaze and Guarding Modesty | Verses: An-Nur 24:30-31
One of the central teachings of Islam regarding societal ethics and personal modesty is found in the divine command to lower one's gaze. In verses 30-31 of Surah An-Nur, Allah (swt) addresses both men and women with specific instructions regarding visual conduct and modesty:
قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا فُرُوجَهُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَزْكَىٰ لَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ
“Tell the believing men to lower their gazes and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is well aware of what they do.”
This command is directed first to believing men, instructing them to lower their gaze from looking at what Allah has prohibited and to guard their chastity. This principle of ghadd al-basar (lowering the gaze) is fundamental to Islamic ethics, as it addresses the beginning of improper desires and prevents immoral conduct at its source.
The instruction is then extended to believing women in the following verse:
وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا
“And tell the believing women to lower their gazes and guard their private parts, and not to expose their adornment, except that which appears thereof.”
The verse continues with detailed instructions for women regarding their hijab (covering) and whom they may reveal their adornments to. These instructions establish the foundation of modesty in Islamic society and protect the dignity and honor of both men and women.
It is important to understand that these commands are not simply outward rules but are deeply connected to spiritual purity. Allah (swt) explains that lowering the gaze is "purer for them," indicating that this practice leads to purification of the heart and soul. When a person restrains their gaze from unlawful looking, they protect themselves from developing forbidden desires that could potentially lead to immoral actions.
In today's modern world, adherence to these principles has become increasingly challenging. Many have abandoned these divine instructions, assuming that if a woman is wearing hijab, it becomes permissible to look at her. This understanding contradicts the clear Quranic teaching. The prohibition against gazing at the opposite gender without legitimate need remains regardless of whether the other person is observing proper hijab or not.
The command to lower one's gaze does not mean complete aversion or never looking at the opposite gender under any circumstances. Rather, it means not looking with desire or unnecessarily prolonging one's gaze. Looking is permitted when there is a genuine need, such as during business transactions, education, medical treatment, or other necessary interactions.
The principle extends beyond physical looking to include all forms of visual engagement that could stimulate desire, including images, videos, and digital content. The wisdom behind this command is to prevent the progression that begins with looking and can potentially lead to inappropriate thoughts, words, and ultimately actions.
Guarding one's modesty and lowering the gaze are not merely restrictive commandments but liberating practices that free individuals from being objectified and allow for interactions based on respect rather than physical attraction. These principles establish a society where dignity is preserved and relationships are built on mutual respect and spiritual values rather than fleeting desires.