Can Men Look at Women
In Sharia law, men are instructed not to look at women in a lustful manner. Accidental glances may occur, but it is a woman’s responsibility to report if she feels unsafe or harassed. However, in many Islamic countries, these rules are not strictly enforced, often because of cultural attitudes toward looking. The application of Islamic law depends on how a society structures its legal and social systems. When Islamic law is properly implemented, these guidelines on modesty and respect are upheld. The balance between religious principles and the legal framework in each country affects how these laws are enforced.
Qur’anic Reference:
Qur’an 24:30
Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what they do.”
Sahih Muslim 2657 a
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Allah has written for the son of Adam his portion of adultery which he will inevitably commit. The adultery of the eye is the (lustful) look; the adultery of the ears is listening (to voluptuous talk); the adultery of the tongue is speaking (of it); the adultery of the hand is touching; the adultery of the feet is walking (towards it); and the heart yearns and desires, and the private parts confirm or deny it.”
This hadith confirms that certain temptations are built into human nature, a lustful glance, listening to seductive speech or music, walking toward sin, or having desires in the heart, all of these are considered minor forms of adultery. They are spiritual warnings, and although they are not the major act of adultery itself, they are signs of the heart leaning toward it, Islam acknowledges that humans have natural desires, but still requires self-control and repentance. These minor sins, like a glance or a thought. are forgivable, especially if the person turns away and seeks Allah’s forgiveness.
This hadith teaches us:
- Temptation begins subtly: through the eyes, ears, tongue, etc.
- These acts are lesser sins but must be avoided.
- Allah is aware of our nature and tests our restraint.
- True adultery happens only when the act is carried out by the private parts.
- If one avoids acting on those desires, they are rewarded instead.
This hadith is actually very insightful and aligns well with modern psychology and science regarding human behavior and temptation, The hadith from Sahih Muslim 2657 a explains that adultery (or any sexual sin) isn’t limited to the physical act; it starts internally and gradually progresses through different stages:
- The eyes (looking lustfully),
- The ears (listening to inappropriate talk),
- The tongue (speaking about it),
- The hands and feet (acting towards it),
- And finally, the heart and the private parts (desire and fulfillment).
Science confirms today that behavioral psychology and neuroscience recognize a progressive pattern of temptation and sin. For example:
- Visual stimuli (like looking at something lustful) trigger the reward system in the brain, especially the dopamine pathway.
- Hearing and talking about sexual matters also stimulate imagination and reinforce those desires.
- Over time, repeated exposure and engagement in these small steps make it more likely that a person will act physically.
This perfectly matches the prophetic wisdom that sin starts small, through senses and thoughts, and can escalate if not controlled. Modern studies also highlight that impulse control and mindfulness are essential to prevent sinful or harmful behaviors, just like Islam teaches about lowering the gaze and guarding the senses.
Sahih Muslim 2159a
I asked Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) about the sudden glance (that is cast) on the face (of a non-Mahram). He commanded me that I should turn away my eyes.
This hadith confirms that even looking at women who are not your wife is not allowed. Why? Because a man doesn’t always know what thoughts may arise in his mind – and those thoughts can turn bad. Islam recognizes how men were designed with certain desires, but also gave clear commands: control yourself, Men are not animals. Just because you’re built with desires doesn’t mean you’re free to act however you want. This hadith directly addresses that: if you see a woman by accident -look away. Don’t stare. Don’t fantasize. Don’t abuse the moment, Some today try to downplay this, saying, “It’s not a big sin just to look.” But a God who created you wouldn’t command something unless it mattered. If your gaze was innocent and your heart clean, no issue. But if you’re knowingly looking with bad intent you’re disobeying a direct command, You were designed to be tested, and the command is clear. Control your eyes. Control your thoughts. Don’t blame your nature, rise above it.
Can We Look at Women for Necessary Purposes
Yes, when there is a valid reason, such as dealing with teachers, colleagues, doctors, or any professional situation, it is allowed to look at women respectfully and for necessary purposes. Islam is practical and does not ban normal interactions that are required in daily life. What is forbidden is lustful or intentional staring that leads to sinful thoughts or actions. The rule is clear: the forbidden gaze is only because it can lead to negative desires or sinful behavior. But for good, clean purposes, it is allowed, and the sin is only on you if you turn it into something bad.
📖Quran 60:10
O believers! When believing women come to you as emigrants, test their faith. Allah knows best their faith. And if you find them to be true believers, do not return them to the disbelievers—they are not lawful for them, nor are the disbelievers lawful for them…
This shows that the Prophet ﷺ and his companions were instructed to interact with women directly for necessary purposes (in this case, even to examine faith).
📖Sunan Ibn Majah 1865
Al-Mughirah ibn Shu’bah said: I proposed to a woman, and the Prophet ﷺ said: “Look at her, for that is more likely to create love between you.”
This is a clear proof that looking is not only allowed but recommended when it’s for a good purpose (like marriage).
📖Sunan Abi Dawud 4107
A mukhannath (eunuch) used to enter upon the wives of Prophet (ﷺ). They (the people) counted him among those who were free of physical needs. One day the Prophet (ﷺ) entered upon us when he was with one of his wives, and was describing the qualities of a woman, saying: When she comes forward, she comes forward with four (folds in her stomach), and when she goes backward, she goes backward with eight (folds in her stomach). The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Do I not see that this (man) knows what here lies. Then they (the wives) observed veil from him.
Based on this hadith, it is understood that it is permissible for a person to interact or look at others in situations where there is no sexual desire or inappropriate intention, as long as the person is not engaging in harmful or lustful thoughts, In professional, educational, or other formal contexts (like college, offices, or when dealing with a teacher or colleague), looking at someone is permitted as long as the intention remains respectful and pure. The key point here is that if a person harbors negative or inappropriate thoughts or gazes in a way that may lead to sinful thoughts or actions, then it is no longer allowed, Moreover, if someone feels uncomfortable or disrespected by how they are being looked at or treated, they have the right to raise the issue and ask for proper conduct. Islam teaches mutual respect, and when a person knowingly looks at another with harmful intent, it should be reported, as it goes against the values of respect and dignity in Islam, This aligns with the principle in the hadith: The wives of the Prophet ﷺ observed the veil when a person with no desires (the Mukhannath) entered because they wanted to maintain their modesty. This principle can be extended to how people should behave in professional or other settings, ensuring that interactions are based on respect, dignity, and proper conduct.
📖Quran 24:31
And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments except what normally appears. Let them draw their veils over their chests and not reveal their adornments except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their fellow women, those bondsmen in their possession, male attendants who have no desire, or children who are still unaware of women’s nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet to reveal what they hide of their adornments. And turn to Allah in repentance all together, O believers, so that you may be successful.
This clearly shows that male attendants with no desire (like eunuchs or those without sexual interest) are an exception, meaning it was allowed for them to be present without the same strictness of hijab because there was no fear of lust. So in work, school, or professional settings, normal respectful interaction is allowed, but if someone knows the other person is looking with wrong intentions, then hijab and modesty rules must be fully applied to prevent harm or harassment. If anyone feels harassed or notices wrong behavior, they should immediately report it or take steps to protect themselves.
Can women look at men?
The same principle applies for women too. Women are instructed in Islam to lower their gaze and maintain modesty, just as men are. The Qur’an gives a direct command to believing women to avoid looking at men in a way that could stir desires or lead to inappropriate thoughts. While daily life may require interaction, such as in education, work, or necessary dealings, these interactions must always be respectful and free from any intention of lust or wrongdoing. So, just like men, women are expected to guard their eyes, control their thoughts, and uphold modesty in all situations. If you’re wondering about the exact rulings, simply read the entire explanation above and apply it to women; the rules are balanced and clear for both genders in Islam.
Additional Information
Islamic teachings on lowering the gaze and modesty are not meant to restrict natural human interaction but to set healthy boundaries that protect dignity and prevent harm. Both men and women are given the same responsibility to avoid lustful looks and inappropriate behavior, while still allowing necessary, respectful interaction in daily life. Modern psychology also supports these principles, showing that uncontrolled visual and mental exposure increases temptation and harmful behavior, while self-control strengthens character and relationships. Ultimately, Islam’s guidance balances human nature with discipline, ensuring purity of heart and respect in society.