Is one who looks at that which is not a necessity or need, and sees something unlawful, while averting the gaze at the first glance, and due to the abundance of immodestly dressed women, considered sinful? And is it forbidden to look if there is a suspicion or strong presumption of seeing something unlawful, or is it sufficient to avert the gaze at the first glance? And when is it permissible to look despite the presence of that which is forbidden to look at? And is one excused for this in lectures?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
If a Muslim encounters a woman who is immodestly dressed, he should lower his gaze. It is not permissible to look at women in lectures unless only their forms are visible, without their faces or 'awrah (parts that must be covered). In that case, there is no harm. It is permissible for a person to look ahead to survey his path, even if he strongly suspects he might see something forbidden. However, whenever he sees something objectionable, he should lower his head and cast down his gaze.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/156277
Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 156277
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy