Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Bismillahir- Rahmanir-Rahim

1. Preface

From a neuroscientific perspective, our brain has a reward system that is highly sensitive to visual stimulation. In the era of pornographic screens and social media, exposure to unlawful images triggers excessive dopamine release, which, if left unchecked, damages the prefrontal cortex—the center of self-control and decision-making. Psychologically, lowering the gaze (ghadhul bashar) is not a restriction of freedom, but a “mental diet” to safeguard the health of the soul. By lowering the gaze, a person is actually training their willpower muscle, so their mental energy remains clear, focused, and not easily exhausted by pointless visual stimulation.

Qur’anic and Hadith Evidence:

A. On the Difference in Fate Between the Believer and the Evildoer

أَمْ حَسِبَ الَّذِينَ اجْتَرَحُوا السَّيِّئَاتِ أَن نَّجْعَلَهُمْ كَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ سَوَاءً مَّحْيَاهُمْ وَمَمَاتُهُمْ سَاءَ مَا يَحْكُمُونَ

“Or do those who commit evil deeds think that We will make them like those who have believed and done righteous deeds— in their life and their death? Evil is what they judge!”(QS. Al-Jathiyah: 21)

B. On Protection from the Trial of Desire

قَالَ مَعَاذَ اللّٰهِ إِنَّهُ رَبِّي أَحْسَنَ مَثْوَايَ

He said, ‘I seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, my Lord has been good to me [He has given me an honorable abode].’ (QS. Yusuf: 23)

2. Explanation

Every era has its primary act of worship. For merchants, it is earning lawful provision; for women, it is hijab. And for you, O youth, your primary worship in this difficult time—amid pornographic websites and lewd magazines—is lowering the gaze. Lowering the gaze will elevate your rank before Allah twofold. Whoever does not have a “fiery beginning” in guarding his chastity will not have a “bright ending” in the nobility of life.Have you ever imagined the young Yusuf AS? He was young, a stranger, and in his prime. When temptation came from his powerful mistress in a locked room, he chose Allah. Centuries later, when he had become the mighty ruler of Egypt, his procession passed a former female slave who recognized him. The slave said with emotion: “All glory be to Him who made a slave into a king because of his obedience.” This is Allah’s promise: your chastity today is the seed of your glory in the future.The gaze of the eyes is like a “Poisoned Arrow.” If you let it fly wildly, it will wound your own heart and poison the clarity of your mind. Lowering the gaze is like placing a steel shield before your eyes. Even if arrows of temptation fly in the streets or on your phone screen, they will not be able to pierce your heart. A guarded heart remains tranquil, while a heart wounded by unrestrained glances will always feel thirsty and restless.We are sometimes funny. We diligently pray for a pure, faithful, and pious spouse like a houri. But our hands love scrolling accounts that flaunt aurat, and our eyes “go on a picnic” to forbidden sites. That’s like someone who asks for a clean, fragrant house, but whose hobby is inviting flies and piling garbage in the living room. How embarrassing before Allah—to ask for a wife who guards her honor, yet we ourselves cannot guard our thumbs and corneas from cheap visual temptations!

3. Lessons and Message

The Worship of the Era: In this digital age filled with visual trials, the main jihad for youth is lowering the gaze. It is the proof of true taqwa. The Seed of Glory: Chastity and obedience today are not losses, but investments. Allah exchanges them for honor, authority, and a bright future, as He did for Prophet Yusuf AS. Guarding the Heart: The eyes are the gateway to the heart. An unguarded glance is a poisoned arrow that wounds the soul, causing anxiety and loss of focus. Lowering the gaze is the shield that preserves the purity of the heart. Integrity in Prayer: It is inconsistent to ask Allah for a pure spouse while we do not guard our own purity. Righteousness begins with disciplining the eyes and the hands before asking for blessings.

4. Conclusion

Beloved brothers and sisters, rejoice, O repentant and obedient youth. By Allah, if the life of a believing young man who lowers his gaze were equated with the life of a depraved one, that equality would contradict the justice of God. Allah will distinguish your life, honor your household, and brighten your future because of one act of obedience today. Remain steadfast, for glory awaits you at the end of your patience in guarding your gaze.

والله أعلم بالصواب

الحمد لله رب العالمين

Abu Sultan Al-Qadrie