(#157)
Country: United Kingdom
Question
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
May Allah grant you and your loved ones aafiyah. Please can you clarify two points: 1) Similar to how it is haram for a man to look at a non-mahram woman regardless of desire, does the same principle apply to women? In other words, is it haram for a woman to look at a non-mahram man, even if they feel no desire towards him? 2) What are the views of the four mathabs in relation to the obligation of lowering the gaze (even if one feels no desire)? Unfortunately, many in our community have abandoned this principle of protecting the eyes and have started to say “X alim doesn’t do so, therefore we don’t have to”. Some have also began quoting ‘differences of opinion’ in regards to this masalah. The subsequent effect that this has had on our community is shocking (I.e. cases of zina, adultery and widespread free-mixing). Please can you provide a clear answer on this topic? جَزَاكَ ٱللَّٰهُ خَيْرًا – if we do not meet in this world, then may Allah unite us in Jannah. اللَّهُمَّ آمــــــــــين.
Answer
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
حامدا و مصليا و مسلما
Muhtaram
We have received your query dated 25/09/2022, our response is as follows:
Introduction
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has said:
«إِنَّ لِكُلِّ دِينٍ خُلُقًا، وَإِنَّ خُلُقَ الْإِسْلَامِ الْحَيَاءُ»
“Verily in every religion there is morality, the morality of Islam is modesty.”
[Sunan Ibn Majah, 4182, Book of Zuhd, Chapter of Hayā]
In another Hadith, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) states:
«الْحَيَاءُ مِنَ الْإِيمَانِ، وَالْإِيمَانُ فِي الْجَنَّةِ»
“Modesty is part of faith, and faith will be in Paradise.”
[Sunan Ibn Majah, 4184, Book of Zuhd, Chapter of Hayā]
Islam advocates respect and honour for both Males and Females, however in order to maintain this respect and honour, the beauty and wisdom of Islam has blocked all evil from the very root. Islam does not tolerate that people become bill boards whereby hungry wolves fulfil their lustful appetites by gaping at them.
Ayats & Ahadeeth on guarding the gaze
It is foolish to let a disease spread and grow and then only to run hither and thither and become perplexed in finding a remedy and solution. The beautiful teachings of Islam advocate the prevention of the sickness from the very beginning!
The above wisdom is clearly evident in the following Ayat of the Noble :
وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا الزِّنَا إنَّهُ كَانَ فَاحِشَةً
Do not (even) come near Zina, verily it shamelessness (Surah Isra 17:32)
In the above Aayah, we are strongly advised that we abstain from all things which would even lead one towards fornication. Undoubtedly, the first step that leads one into the lewd pit of Zina is the glance. Allah Ta’ala states in the Noble Qur’an:
قُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا فُرُوجَهُمْ ذَلِكَ أَزْكَى لَهُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَخَبِيرٌ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ. وَقُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَفُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ
(٣١– سورة النور)
Say to the believing men that they must lower their gazes and guard their private parts; it is more decent for them. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what they do. [30]
And say to the believing women that they must lower their gazes and guard their private parts, and must not expose their adornment. [31]
[Al-Quran, 24:30-31]
Sayyidatina Fatimah (Radiallahu Anha) was asked as to what is best for women. She replied:
“ألا ترى رجلا ولا يراها رجل”
“Her gaze should not fall on a man and a man’s gaze should not fall on her.”
Rasulullah (Sallallâhu Alaihi wa Sallam) was very pleased with her answer. [1]
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:
كُتِبَ عَلَى ابْنِ آدَمَ نَصِيبُهُ مِنَ الزِّنَا، مُدْرِكٌ ذَلِكَ لَا مَحَالَةَ، فَالْعَيْنَانِ زِنَاهُمَاالنَّظَرُ، وَالْأُذُنَانِ زِنَاهُمَا الِاسْتِمَاعُ، وَاللِّسَانُ زِنَاهُ الْكَلَامُ، وَالْيَدُ زِنَاهَا الْبَطْشُ،وَالرِّجْلُ زِنَاهَا الْخُطَا، وَالْقَلْبُ يَهْوَى وَيَتَمَنَّى، وَيُصَدِّقُ ذَلِكَ الْفَرْجُ وَيُكَذِّبُهُ
Allah Ta’ala has written for the children of Adam alaihis salam their share of Zina which he commits inevitably. The Zina of the eyes is the sight (to gaze at a forbidden thing), the Zina of the ears is to hear, the Zina of the tongue is the talk, the Zina of the hands is to touch (that which is forbidden), the Zina of the feet is to take steps (towards that which is forbidden) and the heart wishes and desires and the private parts testify all this or deny it.
[Sahīh Muslim, 2657, Book of Al-Qadr ]
عن أم سلمة أنها كانت عند رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم وميمونة إذ دخل ابن أممكتوم فدخل عليه فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم احتجبا منه فقلت يا رسول اللهأليس هو أعمى لا يبصرنا فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أفعمياوان أنتماألستما تبصرانه[2]
Trans: It is reported from Umme Salima (Radhiallâhu ‘anhu) that once she and Maimoona (Radhiallâhu ‘anha) were with Rasulullâh Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam when Ibn Umme Maktoom (Radhiallâhu ‘anhu) entered. (Ibn Umme Maktoom was a blind Sahabi) Rasulullâh Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam commanded both of them to veil/conceal themselves from Ibn Umme Maktoom (Radhiallâhu ‘anhu). I (Umme Salima) said O The Rasul of Allah!, Is he not blind, thus he cannot see us? Rasulullâh Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam thus responded that, Are you two (also) blind? Can’t you see him?
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم لعن الله الناظر والمنظور إليه[3]
Rasulullâh Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has said “May Allah’s curse be on the one who looks (at a strange women) and the one which is looked at (the one who exposes oneself in front of others).
عن جابر بن عبد الله قال سألت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم عن نظر الفجاءةفأمرني أن أصرف نظري[4]
Hadhrat Jaabir (Radhiallâhu ‘anhu) reports that he asked Rasulullâh Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam about the gaze that suddenly falls (on a strange woman), so Rasulullâh Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam commanded him to immediately turn his gaze away from that strange woman.
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم النظر سهم مسموم من سهام إبليس فمن تركهاخوفا من الله أعطاه الله إيمانا يجد حلاوته في قلبه[5]
Rasulullâh Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has said: “A gaze on a strange woman is an arrow from the arrows of shaitaan. The one who immediately turns it away from a strange woman, Allah Ta’ala will give this person such Imaan, the sweetness of which this person will taste in his heart at that very moment.
من نظر الى محاسن اجنبية عن شهوة صب في عينيه الآنك يوم القيامة[6]
Whoever looks at the beauty of a non-Mahram women with desire then molten lead will be put in the eyes on the day of Qiyamah.
From the above Ayats and Ahadeeth we clearly learn the severity of looking at Ghair Maharim (those whom one may marry in Islam).
The ruling on Pardah
If there was no harm in gazing at the opposite gender then there was no need for the laws relating to Pardah. However, on numerous occasions the issue of Pardah has been mentioned. We will suffice on a few places for the sake of brevity:
Allah Ta’ala states in the Noble Qur’an:
وإذا سألتموهن متاعا فاسئلوهن من وراء حجاب ط ذلكم اطهر لقلوبكم وقلوبهن الخ (الأحزاب ٥٣)
And when you ask anything from them (the blessed wives of the Messenger), ask them from behind a curtain (Surah Ahzaab, Ayat 53)
عن عقبة بن عامر رضى الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلّى الله عليه وسلّم ايّاكم والدّخول على النّساء فقال رجل يا رسول الله ارأيت الحمو؟ قال الحمو الموت! (رواه البخاري – ٤٩٣٤)
(رواه مسلم – ٢١٧٢)
Hazrat Uqbah bin Aamir (radhiyallâhu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) has said that abstain from going to (Ghair mahram) woman, one person asked oh Rasulallah! What is the law pertaining to a brother in-law? Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: The brother-in-law is death!
قال الحافظ أبو بكر محمد بن عبد الله العامري: (اتفق علماء الامة ان من اعتقد هذه المحظورات، واباحة امتزاج الرجال بالنسوان الأجانب، فقد كفر … وان اعتقد تحريمه وفعله واقر عليه ورضي به، فقد فسق، لا يسمع له قول ولا تقبل له شهادة).[7]
Hafidh Abu Bakr Muhammad bin Abdullah Al-Aamori rahimahullah states: The Ulama of the Ummah are unanimous that whosever believes such prohibitions and the mixing of males and females as permissible is undoubtedly a disbeliever, and whosoever regards the action as impermissible, however he engages in it and remains firm on it, and is pleased with it, than he has committed Fisq, his word will not be heard and nor will his testimony be accepted!
وعن ابي سعيد الخدري قال: قالت النساء للنبي صلى الله عليه وسلم غلبنا عليك الرجال، فاجعل لنا يوما من نفسك. فوعدهن يوما لقيهن فيه، فوعظهن وامرهن. [8]
Hadrat Abu Saeed Khudri radiyallahu anhu states: The ladies said to Nabi Sallallahu alai wa sallam that the men have overpowered us i.e. they are benefitting from the advices of Nabi Sallallahu alai wa sallam, whilst we are deprived. Thus they said “(Please) stipulate for us a day” Thus Nabi Sallallahu alai wa sallam promised a day for the ladies, in which he will meet them, advise and command them. (This narration shows that a separate program was initiated for the females, rather than having a mixed gathering for both genders. Furthermore, one cannot make an analogy of a Messenger with a non-messenger )
قال احمد بن عبد الله الرؤوف القرطبي المالكي (٢٤٢ ت) في واجبات المحتسب: (ويمنع من اختلاط النساء مع الرجال عند الصلاة وفي الأعياد وفي المحافل ويفرق بينهم ).[9]
Ahmad bin Abdullah Ra’oof Al-Qurtubi Al-Maaliki rahimahullah states : Mixing of genders is prohibited during Salaah, Eid and (other) gatherings. Men and Females will be separated.
وقال أبو الحسن الماوردي رحمه الله تعالى (ت ٤٥٠): (وللمحتسب ان يمنع ارباب السفن من حمل ما لا تسعه ويخاف منه غرقها، وكذلك يمنعهم من المسير عند اشتداد الريح، وإذا حمل فيها الرجال والنساء حجز بينهم بحائل)[10]
Abul Hasan Mawardi rahimahullah states: …when women and males are boarded on a ship then a barrier/Pardah should be placed between them.
وقال أبو حامد الغزالي (ت ٥٠٥) عن منع الاختلاط في مجالس الذكر: (ويجب ان يضرب بين الرجال والنساء حائل يمنع من النظر، فان ذلك مظنة الفساد، والعادات تشهد لهذه المنكرات ).[11]
Abu Hamid Ghazali rahimahullah states (with regards to the prohibition of genders mixing in the gatherings of Zikr): It is obligatory that a barrier/pardah is placed between the men and women, in order to prevent (males and females) looking (at each other). Undoubtedly, (a gathering of both genders) is a place wherein there lies a (great possibility) of Fasaad! And Aadat bears testimony to its evil.
وقال الحافظ ابن حجر (ت ٨٥٢) في شرحه لحديث ام سلمة: (وفي الحديث مراعاة الامام أحوال المأمومين، والاحتياط في اجتناب ما قد يفضي الى المحذور. وفيه اجتناب مواضع التهم، وكراهة مخالطة الرجال للنساء في الطرقات فضلا عن البيوت).[12]
Hafidh Ibn Hajar rahimahullah states: …The Hadeeth (teaches us)…the detestability of men and women mixing in the roads..
…إذا كانت اهله لا ينبغي له ان يتركها تلج الأسواق وتمارس الرجال لشراء حاجتها[13]
In the commentary of Hidayah, under the chapter Khiyarus Shart it is mentioned: It is not appropriate that one leaves his spouse to enter the markets and contend with males in order to purchase her needs..
Statements of the Fuqaha
Finally, we will terminate with the decisive statements of the Fuqaha, wherein they have clearly mentioned the impermissibility for a person to gaze at the opposite gender (refer to footnote)[14]
It is mentioned in Hashiyah Tahtawi Alal Durr.
(قوله واما في زماننا فمنع من الشابة) أي فمنع نظر الوجه من الشابة ولو من غير شهوة[15]
In our times, one is prohibited to (look at) the face of young women, even though this may be without desire!
If this was the condition over 300 years ago then one can imagine what is the poor state we live in!
ولا الى الحرة الاجنبية الا الوجه والكفين ان امن وهذا فى زمانهم واما فى زماننافمنع من الشابة
الدرر المنتقى في شرح الملتقى ص ٢٠٢ ج ٤
Furthermore, if there was permission for men to gaze at the opposite gender then why would there be the ruling of the Niqab?
We can also learn from the Ahadeeh regarding the issue of seeing ones future spouse before marriage (albeit with certain conditions), this permission indicates towards the general prohibition at other times, otherwise there would be no real reason to instruct people to see their future spouses if they were already gazing at each other.
Conclusion
Thus, in conclusion, we learn from the abovementioned statements that it is incumbent in this day and age of promiscuity that both males and females guard their gazes. In this lies the safety of ones Deen and Dunya. It is ludicrous for one to gaze at the opposite gender and claim in these times of Fitna that one’s gaze is free from any desire.
Please note that Darul Ifta N.Z answers questions according to the Hanafi Mazhab.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Answered by:
Muhammad Irshad Motara
9th Rabiul Awwal 1444
6th October 2022
Checked and Approved by:
(Mufti) Musayyab Sahib
9th Rabiul Awwal 1444
6th October 2022
[1] MUSNAD BAZZAAR, DAARU QUTNI quotation taken from Darul Ifta Azaadville archives.
[2] واه أبو داود والترمذي وقال حديثٌ حسن صحيح
[3] مشكوة المصابيح ص ٢٦٠، باب النظر الى المخطوبة، الفصل الثالث، قديمي)
[5] رواه الطبراني في الكبير “10363”.وذكره الهيثمي في مجمع الزوائد “8/ 63 ورواه الحاكم في المستدرك “4/ 313″وصححه”
[6] ومجمع الأنهر في شرح ملتقى الابحر: ج ٢-ص ٥٤٠، بيروت البحر الرائق: ج ٨-ص١٩٢-سعيد وتبيين الحقائق: ج ٧، ص ٣٩-العلمية
[7] احكام النظر (ص ٨٣)
[8] اخرجه البخاري برقم (١٠١)
[9] آداب الحسبة والمحتسب (ص ٣٨)
[10] الاحكام السلطانية: (٣٠٦)
[11] احياء علوم الدين (٣/ ٤٣-٤٤
[12] فتح الباري (٢/٣٣٦)
[13] شرح فتح القدير: ج ٦-ص ٣٢٦-دار الفكر
[14] وان غلب على ظنه انه يشتهي فهو حرام وكذا في الينابيع، النظر الى وجه الأجنبية إذا لم يكن عن شهوة ليس بحرام لكنه مكروه كذا في السراجية
) الفتاوى الهندية: ج ٥-ص ٣٢٨-رشيدية (
واما في زماننا فمنع من الشابة قهستاني وغيره (در المختار مع رد المحتار: ج ٦-٣٧٠-سعيد)
وتمنع الشابة من كشف وجهها خوف الفتنة (الهدية العلائية: ٢٨٢)
[15] حاشية الطحطاوي على الدر المختار -ج٤-١٨٥-رشيدية
فتاوى محمودية: ص ١٨٦،١٩٢-ج١٩-فاروقية
