The gaze can harm the heart and mind; thus, controlling it is essential.
In the Holy Quran, great emphasis is placed on controlling one's gaze and being mindful of what one looks at. In Surah An-Nur, verse 30, Allah commands the believers to lower their gaze and guard their modesty, implying the necessity of refraining from looking at those who are not permissible, including individuals outside their immediate family. This verse clearly indicates the significance of controlling one's gaze as looking can lead to the emergence of undesirable thoughts and, consequently, sins and transgressions in the heart. In verse 31 of the same chapter, the importance resonates even more for women, advising them to guard against unnecessary glances. This is crucial because our behavior towards others and the feelings that arise within us can greatly change depending on where we direct our gaze. A wrongful and immoral look can jeopardize social relationships and may even provoke uncontrollable conflicts and sins. Thus, being mindful of one's gaze is an essential ethical and spiritual concern to incorporate into daily life. Avoiding forbidden or inappropriate looks will preserve the purity of the heart and spirit and bring a person closer to Allah. It is essential to note that the spiritual and emotional reactions of an individual are closely linked to what they view and perceive. Hence, being vigilant about one’s gaze is fundamentally important.
Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.
And tell the believing women to lower [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [ordinarily] appears thereof. And to draw their coverings over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their father’s fathers, their sons, their husband’s sons, their brothers, their brother’s sons, their sister’s sons, their women, or those their right hands possess. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, O believers, that you might succeed.
One day, a wise man sat with his friends in a garden discussing the importance of ethics. One friend remarked that one must be cautious with their gaze, for an impure glance can harm a pure heart. The wise man took this matter to heart and resolved to always control his gaze. He felt that this control not only brought peace to his soul but also enhanced the gentleness of his relationships with others.