You are scrolling through Instagram when an attractive person appears on your screen.
You look.
Then you look again.
Then you visit their profile.
Then you start scrolling through their pictures.
What started as one glance has now become intentional looking.
This is where the Islamic teaching of lowering the gaze becomes important.
WHAT DOES ALLAH SAY?
Allah says: “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.” Qur’an 24:30
Allah then gives a similar command to believing women in the following verse.
So lowering the gaze is not only a responsibility for men. Muslim women are commanded to observe it too.
DOES LOWERING YOUR GAZE MEAN NEVER LOOKING AT PEOPLE?
No.
Islam does not require you to walk around with your eyes closed.
There are normal situations where you need to look at people.
You may need to look at your teacher while listening.
You may speak to a colleague.
You may look at someone while having a normal conversation.
The issue is deliberately looking at what you should not be looking at, especially with desire or in a way that feeds temptation.
WHAT ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA?
This is where the struggle can become greater.
You may accidentally see something inappropriate while scrolling.
That’s different from deliberately searching for it, replaying it, zooming in, visiting the person’s profile and continuing to look.
The first sight may be accidental.
Choosing to keep looking is a decision.
PROTECT YOUR EYES AND YOUR HEART
What enters through your eyes can affect your thoughts and desires.
If you constantly consume inappropriate content, don’t be surprised when it becomes harder to control your thoughts.
Sometimes lowering your gaze begins with something as simple as:
Unfollow, scroll away, close the page and don’t search again.
LOWERING THE GAZE IS SELF-CONTROL
The world tells you:
“Look at everything.”
“Everyone is doing it.”
“It’s only a picture.”
But a Muslim learns that not everything available to your eyes is meant for your eyes.
You don’t have to click every link.
You don’t have to watch every video.
You don’t have to follow every account.
HEART CHECK
Lowering your gaze isn’t about being afraid of people. It is about being conscious of Allah.
When nobody is beside you and your phone is in your hand, Allah still sees you. Choose what protects your heart.
Your eyes are an amanah. Guard them.
3SIXTYISLAM
At 3SixtyIslam, we believe Islamic knowledge should reach every generation. From Hajj and Umrah guidance to practical Islamic lessons for everyday life, our goal is to help Muslims learn, grow and strengthen their connection with Islam.
Follow 3SixtyIslam for more Islamic knowledge, guidance and inspiring stories for the whole family.
