قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا۟ مِنْ أَبْصَـٰرِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا۟ فُرُوجَهُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَزْكَىٰ لَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرٌۢ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ 30
Translations
Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allāh is [fully] Aware of what they do.
Transliteration
Qul lil-mu'minīna yaghuddū min absārihim wa-yahfazū furūjahum. Dhālika azkā lahum. Inna Allāha khabīrun bimā yasnaūn.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts, which purifies the soul and protects from sin. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that lowering the gaze is a foundational practice in Islamic ethics that prevents unlawful desires from entering the heart, while guarding one's chastity protects both oneself and the community. The concluding phrase reminds believers that Allah is fully aware of all their actions and intentions, serving as a powerful deterrent against private transgressions.
Revelation Context
Surah An-Nur (The Light) was revealed in Madinah and addresses ethical conduct within the Muslim community. This ayah appears within a passage (24:30-31) establishing modesty guidelines for both men and women, reflecting the Quranic emphasis on moral discipline and social propriety during the formative period of the Islamic state.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The eye commits adultery, and its adultery is the glance' (Sahih Al-Bukhari 5242). Additionally, 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him guard his private parts' (Sunan An-Nasa'i 8391).
Themes
Key Lesson
Cultivating mindfulness over one's gaze and desires is not merely about external compliance but about spiritual purification and drawing closer to Allah's standards of righteousness. Understanding that Allah's knowledge encompasses all hidden intentions and actions should inspire believers to maintain integrity in both public and private moments.