Eye protection is the first step in self-purification

Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim.

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu.

Dear friends,

I hope you are all well. I am also well and healthy with your prayers and the endless mercy of Allah Almighty.

Eye protection is the first step in self-purification

Self-purification or self-control is an essential quality in human life. Self-purification means purity of the heart, moral improvement and an effort to gain closeness to Allah. This self-purification begins with the control of the senses, of which the control and protection of the eyes is the first and most important step. Because the eyes are the main door to the human heart and brain. What the eyes see affects the heart, leaves an impression on thoughts and is reflected in behavior.

The importance and influence of the eyes

Eyes are one of the greatest blessings of humans. Through them, we see the beauty of the world, observe the Quran and Allah's creation, and gain knowledge. But if these eyes are uncontrolled, they become a source of sin and unrest. Allah Almighty says in the Quran:

"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts; that is purer for them." (Surah An-Nur: 30)

Similarly, the same instruction has been given to women.

The eyes take the first step towards sin. If the gaze is fixed on forbidden things, then desire arises in the heart, which leads to sin in action. Therefore, guarding the eyes basically stops the first step towards sin.

Meaning of guarding the eyes

Guarding the eyes means:

Not looking at forbidden things - such as looking lustfully at an uncovered woman or man, obscene pictures, videos, movies or internet content.

Protecting the privacy of others - not peeking into someone's private things or home.

Avoiding the source of sin - not using the eyes in places that bring suspicion or obscene thoughts to the heart.

The necessity of guarding the eyes

1. Maintaining the purity of the heart

What the eyes see directly reaches the heart. Haram scenes darken the heart, weaken piety and reduce the fear of Allah. On the contrary, restraint of the eyes keeps the heart clean.

2. Closing the entrance to sin

A small glance can lead to a major sin. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

"The gaze is a poisonous arrow of Satan. Whoever refrains from it out of fear of Allah, Allah will grant him faith whose sweetness he will feel in his heart." (Hakim)

3. Increasing concentration in worship

A person who guards his gaze, his mind and brain are not filled with obscene thoughts. As a result, concentration in prayer, recitation of the Quran and supplication increases.

4. Maintaining social purity

Guarding the eyes prevents the path of adultery, extramarital affairs, rape and moral degradation. When members of society guard their gaze, decency and security are established in society.

Methods of guarding the eyes

Creating piety in the heart

A person who always remembers Allah as the Observer, refrains from looking at forbidden things.

Controlling the direction of the gaze

Whenever you see something forbidden on the street, in the market or on the Internet, immediately avert your gaze.

Staying away from obscene content

Obscenity is very easily available on television, mobile, social media and cinema today. It is important to have an Islamic filter on your device and choose the right content.

Paying attention to halal and beautiful scenes

Seeing the beauty of Allah's creation, reading the Quran, reading books to gain knowledge - these are ways to use the eyes for holy purposes.

Keeping yourself in the right environment

Do not go to places where obscenity is high. For example, mixed parties, obscene crowds on the beach, etc.

Results of guarding the eyes

1. Peace of mind

Avoiding forbidden scenes keeps people free from mental stress, intensity of desires and unrest.

2. Enjoying the Taste of Faith

According to the words of the Prophet ﷺ, through controlling one's gaze, a servant experiences the sweetness of faith that cannot be obtained in any other way.

3. Establishing security in society

Protecting the eyes reduces adultery, moral crimes, and family breakdown.

4. Gaining special love from Allah

Allah the Almighty says:

"Allah loves those who repent frequently and who purify themselves." (Surah Al-Baqarah: 222)

Protecting the eyes is one of the keys to this purity.

The path to self-purification is long and difficult. But it begins with protecting the eyes. Because the eyes are the windows of the heart, through which good or evil enters. If a person can protect his eyes from what is forbidden, he is able to close a big door to sin. This purifies his heart, increases his attention to worship, establishes decency in society, and brings him closer to Allah.

Therefore, it is the duty of every believer to make restraint of gaze a habit of life. Keeping not only the external eyes, but also the internal eyes away from forbidden thoughts—this is the first and most important step in self-purification.