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Is a man's lust for a woman—whether she is unveiled, veiled, or speaks alluringly—considered adultery, and is the woman sinful for not guarding her chastity, or does the sin fall solely upon the man?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

It is incumbent upon a man to lower his gaze, and it is incumbent upon a woman to observe hijab and conceal her allure from non-mahram men. Whoever fails to do so is sinful. He who strives to lead others astray and tempt them bears an additional sin, for Allah the Almighty says: "Indeed, those who like that immorality should be spread [or publicized] among those who have believed will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter." (Quran 24:19). A man allowing his gaze to wander to what Allah has forbidden is the adultery of the eye, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The adultery of the eyes is looking." And a woman going out unveiled or perfumed to attract attention exposes herself to severe warning, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Any woman who perfumes herself and passes by a gathering of people so that they may smell her fragrance is an adulteress."

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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