Is watching pornography permissible for a married man on the pretext that it helps him sexually, and what is its ruling and punishment in this world and the hereafter if it is forbidden?

Looking at women is forbidden by Islamic law, whether with lust or without it. If it is with lust, its prohibition is more severe. Allah has commanded lowering the gaze, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, warned against following glances. So, whoever claims that looking at women is not forbidden has fabricated a lie against Allah.

Allah has placed the instinct of desire (shahwa) within us and opened legitimate channels for it, such as marriage. He has also blocked forbidden paths that incite it and lead to a weakening of faith. Therefore, a Muslim should strive to reduce their desire, not increase it.

Among the helpful means to lower the gaze are: 1. Avoiding bad company. 2. Being conscious of Allah Almighty, and the servant knowing that Allah sees them. 3. Remembering what Allah has prepared for believers in Paradise, including the wide-eyed houris, and that the blessings of Paradise are greater than the fleeting enjoyment of this world.