The Poisonous Arrow

Bismillaahir Rah’maanir Rah’eem. All praise to Allah. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved unlettered Prophet, his family, and his noble companions. I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan, and I begin in the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

Our beloved Prophet ﷺ has warned us that the evil glance is one of the arrows of Shaytan. When a sin is not prevalent among people, they tend to be more conscious of its severity. For instance, fornication and adultery are not common among Muslims, and thus Muslims are aware of their gravity. Similarly, when we witness someone consuming alcohol, it becomes evident that their reputation is negatively impacted. Moreover, the negative perception extends not only to the person who is drunk but also to those who choose to associate with them. However, the sin of backbiting (gheebat) has become so normalized that people indulge in it without feeling any guilt. Yet, this sin is extremely reprehensible, comparable to consuming the flesh of one’s dead brother. What a repulsive act it is to consume the flesh of the deceased, resembling the behavior of animals, and even more disturbing when it involves one’s own brother. Our beloved Prophet ﷺ stated that the evil glance is akin to committing adultery with the eyes, but because it has become so prevalent, people often do not take it seriously and easily fall into this sin. Even individuals who have performed Hajj are not exempt from it. The prevalence of television, magazines, and other media filled with haram images and scenes has desensitized people to this sin. However, just as consuming poison, even if one mistakes it for something sweet, will still have its poisonous effect, the evil glance remains a destructive act regardless of how normalized it has become.

When someone desires to safeguard their house, they ensure it has a strong lock. Similarly, when one seeks to protect their heart, they should safeguard their eyes. Allah (Azzawajal) has bestowed a unique ability upon the eyes – when something is brought close to them, such as a finger, the eyelids instinctively close to prevent physical harm. However, the spiritual harm caused by improper gazes is far more detrimental and requires even greater protection. Regrettably, we have disabled the mechanism of our eyelids to automatically close and protect our eyes when it comes to engaging in forbidden glances. Some individuals allow their hearts to indulge in lustful thoughts, which is equally detrimental. We must safeguard both our physical eyes and the inner eyes of our hearts. Some of us, ordinary Muslims, engage in extensive acts of worship like the righteous individuals (walis), but do you know what sets them apart from us? The pious individuals preserve their deeds, while we do not. We squander our good deeds by indulging in immoral gazes and engaging in harmful speech. This is the distinction. It is impossible to maintain steadfastness in worship when one defiles their eyes. Even if a person performs numerous prayers and other acts of worship, their face will lack radiance due to the evil gaze. This is because the one who casts evil glances brings upon themselves the curse (lanat) of Allah (Azzawajal). A person who looks with evil intent and a woman who emerges adorned with fragrance are distanced from the mercy of Allah (Azzawajal).

Our beloved Prophet ﷺ advised Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), saying, “O Ali, do not follow the first glance with another, for the first glance is forgiven while the second is not.” In the mentioned hadith, our beloved Prophet ﷺ teaches us that the first glance, when it falls accidentally or unintentionally, is forgiven by Allah. However, the second glance, when it is done deliberately and intentionally, will be taken into account and carries responsibility. This profound guidance was directed towards Ali, a great Sahabi of unparalleled faith. Even if all the scholars and pious individuals of today were gathered, they could never match the spiritual status of a single Sahabi like Ali. Many people claim that they did not see with evil intentions, and by doing so, they indirectly imply that they are holier than a Sahabi like Ali (may Allah be pleased with him).

There is another incident involving the son of Abbas, who was sitting closely with the Prophet ﷺ on a camel. The spiritual light emanating from the Prophet’s presence, combined with the sacred month of Dhul-Hajj and their location in Arafat, creates a highly blessed environment. There were both men and women standing, and Fazal ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) inadvertently glanced at a woman. At that moment, the blessed Prophet ﷺ turned his face away with his blessed hands and asked, “What are you doing, Fazal?” It is important to note that this Sahabi belongs to the noble family of the Prophet ﷺ. Considering the blessed company of our beloved Prophet ﷺ, the sacred place, and the blessed month, we can imagine the virtuous atmosphere. Yet, even in such circumstances, this Sahabi was reminded about the dangers of an inappropriate glance. This incident should make us reflect on our own lives in the challenging environment we face today. A single glance has the potential to deeply affect and harm us spiritually. We must be even more cautious and vigilant than those before us. The impact of an improper glance is not easily shaken off, and its consequences can linger within us.

Some individuals claim that they can find inner calmness by looking at non-mahram individuals when their desires arise. However, this notion is flawed. Hakeemul Ummat Ashraf Ali Tanvi (RA) compares it to the disease of itching, where scratching may temporarily alleviate the discomfort but ultimately worsens the condition. Even if one finds temporary enjoyment in such actions, it does not equate to the benefits experienced by someone who maintains a healthy state. People may have witnessed the apparent pleasure derived from indulging in improper glances, which is tangible in this worldly life. However, they have never truly tasted the sweetness and contentment that comes from abstaining from forbidden glances, which resides in the heart.

Since this pleasure is unseen, it may go unnoticed by many. I urge you to refrain from this act for even a day, and you will witness the positive impact it has on your worship, be it in salah or any other form of worship. Haram glances diminish one’s inclination towards acts of worship and righteous deeds. One may perform salah out of obligation and feel burdened by it. It becomes challenging for them to come to the masjid, whereas a true believer, once inside the masjid, does not wish to leave. Even when engaged in worldly affairs, they have a strong desire to be in the masjid, as they find immense pleasure in acts of worship and in the place of worship.

On the contrary, a person who persists in casting evil glances may gradually lose any inclination towards worship and, even worse, develop aversion towards good deeds and the company of righteous individuals. Allah Azzawajal may deprive them of finding pleasure in lawful means due to their engagement in unlawful acts. Hence, such a person may find other people’s spouses attractive but not experience the same perception towards their own spouse.

In today’s world, it may seem challenging to restrain one’s eyes, but when a person understands the severity of the sin and takes the courageous step to avoid it, Allah Azzawajal will surely assist them. Allah is always appreciative of our efforts, and He promises to provide a way out and guide those who strive in His path. Here are some tips to protect oneself from this abhorrent act:

1. Develop the courage to firmly commit that even if your soul tempts you and your desires urge you, you will never cast a forbidden glance. Resolve firmly that you will never cast a forbidden glance, whether it be towards attractive men or non-mahram women.
2. When you are out and about, avoid looking into other vehicles, as it is possible that there may be non-mahram individuals inside. Always lower your gaze and refrain from looking at the faces of women, whether they are wearing a burkha or not.
3. Seek the guidance and support of a knowledgeable sheikh or mentor. One disciple asked his sheikh for help in giving up this sin, and the sheikh advised him to give five rupees in charity for every evil glance. Initially, the disciple struggled and had to give fifty rupees which is a significant amount of money for a few days, expressing concern about his family’s well-being. However, the sheikh encouraged him to have courage and continue with the prescribed charity. Eventually, the disciple was able to completely give up the forbidden glance, and every day passed without any transgression. This story highlights the importance of courage in striving against one’s desires.

Courage is essential for any mujahidah (striving individual), and by taking firm steps, seeking Allah’s help, and seeking guidance from righteous mentors, it is possible to overcome this challenge and protect oneself from the harm of forbidden glances.

For some, spending money is a form of struggle (mujahidah), while for others it may be performing salah or fasting. Each individual faces different challenges, and the greater the struggle, the higher the reward. If one wishes to give up this sinful act, it is important to make it difficult for the lower self. For instance, one can offer two units of voluntary prayer (nafil salah), give charity, or fast a day for every forbidden glance. Parents and husbands share the responsibility of ensuring that their female family members observe purdah (modesty). Establishing purdah within the household, especially in joint families, is crucial. It is impossible to achieve steadfastness in the religion (istiqamat) without safeguarding oneself from forbidden glances. Understanding the severity of the sin will provide the courage to abandon it. Before leaving the house, offer two units of voluntary prayer specifically with this sin in mind, seeking Allah’s assistance in overcoming it. If one falls into the sin, they should again perform two units of voluntary prayer and seek forgiveness from Allah. A hadith describes the evil glance as one of Satan’s arrows, while another hadith likens it to a poisonous arrow. Just as a single arrow can kill, we can comprehend the grave danger posed by a poisonous arrow. May Allah help us all to refrain from committing this sin and protect us from it. Ameen.

-Sheikh Maulana Abdus Sattar (DB)

Morning Tarbiati Majlis 16.12.2011