The Noble Teachings of Modesty and Lowering the Gaze in Islam
Meta Description: An exploration of modesty and lowering the gaze in Islam, featuring the renowned Hadith of Ibn Abbas relating to Al-Fadl ibn Abbas and a lady asking the Prophet PBUH about Hajj.
Focus Keyword: Modesty and lowering the gaze in Islam
Modesty is a beautiful part of an Islamic character; it is not only based on dress, but also covers etiquette, mannerisms, speaking to others and the manner in which one views others. This aspect can best be summarized as lowering the gaze and preventing ourselves from looking at others in a way which might attract temptation.
We see an example of how the Prophet PBUH addressed this issue in a well known hadith narration from Ibn Abbas may Allah be pleased with him:
The Story of Al-Fadl ibn Abbas
During the Farewell Pilgrimage the Messenger of Allah PBUH was instructing people upon various issues of the religion when Al-Fadl ibn Abbas (known to be one of the handsomest men) was sitting behind him. An old lady from the tribe of Khath'am approached the Prophet PBUH and inquired on the rulings of religion. Whilst speaking to the Messenger of Allah PBUH, Al-Fadl stared at the woman and she likewise glanced at him.
Ibn Abbas stated: "The Prophet PBUH noticed looking at the woman and turning his face the other way."
This proves how the Messenger of Allah PBUH guided his cousin and companions to divert their eyes just before the potential of any temptation would start to enter in theirhearts.
This Hadith has been narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari(Hadith:6228).
What lessons do we derive from this hadith:
This narration highlights the importance of preventing your focus to rest too long on another individual. It is naturally easy to notice a person, as is seen, but the important point to remember in this scenario is to turn your gaze away, in appropriate manner to avoid being tempted.
Therefore lowering your gaze is part of Islamic etiquette and contributes towards being modest. It further benefits an individual by protecting their heart from temptation and unwanted suggestions.
In this narration it is not explicitly mentioned what Al-Fadl did next after his gaze was averted; it could have been anything such as a quick return of gaze, and indeed such would have been incorrect. Therefore the act which was done by the Prophet PBUH immediately stops Al-Fadl from continuing the inappropriate act as well as setting the norm when confronted with the staring of this nature.
Modesty is not about clothing
Sometimes people mis interpret the meaning of Islamic modesty to be only about clothing (e.g. Veil for women). However, in truth it has far greater significance to a believer's demeanor and conduct.
An individual should always retain some composure and dignity whether in public or their private life; this includes the proper conduct towards others through acceptable behavior and tone along with not gazing excessively towards individuals who cause temptation.
The narration concerning Al-Fadl is a practical indication that attraction is natural; and it is the reaction to this attraction that Muslims are advised about through the teachings of Islam. Through lowering the gaze Islam seeks to instill self-control rather than temptation towards inappropriate contemplation and lust.
So what about the hands and feet of women?
Statements suggesting specific limbs of the woman, or male, need covering, based on any hadith of the nature spoken about should be avoided, with the exception perhaps of face and hands as there is sufficient evidence for these specifically and it would be inappropriate to use this single narrartion to indicate that one limb needs covering whilst another is permissible with a direct gaze.
The Hadith of Ibn Abbas, is solely referring to lowering the gaze, and nothing else; It simply highlights an incident where one hadith proves the other.
Therefore, it is more appropriate and informative for Muslims to refrain from quoting one hadith or narration outside its direct context and interpretation and instead to clearly differentiate what has been said and what is being extracted from it.
Practical application for Muslims
From this simple scenario we can clearly establish that when tempted by attraction we should look away. So if watching videos, using social media, browsing websites, interacting with neighbors/colleagues at work or school, traveling or even walking in a shop; there always comes a time when you may be tempted, just turn your head; these tips may vary in practical application but the core message remains in the concept, so apply your knowledge when and where it is applicable; because as it says in the hadith, a Muslims should always lower his gaze.
Modern technology makes use much more important for both women and men to practice it because it introduces Muslims to potentially tempting materials without there being a need to enter it with intentions; e.g. Accidental scrolling of media with revealing material.
Lowering the gaze is therefore to protect oneself within rather than just out of fear of a potential worldly deterrent for breaking the rules set for Muslims by their Creator.
Conclusion
The narrattion from Al-Fadl on the Farewell Pilgrimage reveals clear guidelines of modesty and self-control and directly stresses the need to lower the gaze. Muhammad PBUH's response shows how immediate action must be taken, and can guide us as Muslims to ensure that if an inappropriate stare occurs with individuals that you then immediately avert your focus and ensure that correct social morals are followed when you are amongst other believers.
May Allah guide us and help us to learn from our past and present to ensure we improve in the Islamic ethics to attain perfection.
This is only for Islamic knowledge informations not for hurting others.