Protecting the Eyes

Advice of Hadhrat Mufti Mahmood Hassan Gangohi (Rahmatullahi Allayh) [1]

Question:

Hadhrat Mufti Sahib,

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-raḥmatullāhi wa-barakātuh

I cannot protect my eyes (from sin). Please advise me on how to overcome this malady.

Answer:

Beloved Brother

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-raḥmatullāhi wa-barakātuh

Allah Ta‘ala has created natural means for the protection of the eyes from all sin. With every eye, Allah Ta‘ala has created two shutters. One at the top and another at the bottom. When one’s sight falls in the wrong place, immediately close these shutters. There is also another means of uprooting this disease of gazing at ghair mahrams, (women with whom marriage is permissible). Sit in solitude, close your eyes and recite the following verse:

أَلَمْ يَعْلَم بِأَنَّ اللَّهَ يَرَىٰ

“Does he not know that verily Allah is watching”[2]

(the Arabic should be recited )

While reciting this verse ponder over the following: “If I am in the presence of my father, Ustaadh or spiritual mentor and a strange woman (ghair mahram) had to pass, would I look at her? Most definitely not. How can I then look at any woman in the presence of Allah Ta‘ala who is watching at all times.”Practice this for ten minutes every day. Whenever you get the opportunity, ponder over this until it becomes firmly embedded in the heart.

May Allah Ta‘ala help you.


[1] (Hadhrat Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi raḥimahullāh His life and works, Publsh. Ta’limi Board, KZN, Pg 248)

[2] Surah 96 Verse 14