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How can I deal with the problem of being unable to lower my gaze from semi-naked women in Canada, knowing the obligation to marry and my current inability to travel to an Islamic country?

2 min readAlso available in العربية

It is forbidden to remain in non-Muslim countries for those who are not lawfully excused, due to the prevalence of immorality, deviation from innate human nature, and the widespread practice of indecencies like immodest display, which leads to mixing, physical contact, and fornication, all of which begin with a glance. Therefore, Islamic law commanded the lowering of gaze from non-mahram women, citing the verses: ﴿Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their gaze and guard their private parts.﴾ An-Nur/30, and ﴿And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts.﴾ Al-Ahzab/53, and the hadith of Jarir ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) regarding an accidental glance.

Among the means that aid in lowering the gaze are: 1. Being mindful of Allah's watchfulness and His knowledge of every treacherous eye. 2. Seeking Allah's help and supplicating to Him. 3. Expressing gratitude for the blessing of sight by safeguarding it from what Allah has forbidden. 4. Striving against one's self and persevering in lowering the gaze. 5. Avoiding places that incite temptation, such as markets and public roads. 6. Submitting to Allah's command to lower the gaze in all circumstances. 7. Increasing voluntary acts of worship to strengthen one's connection with Allah. 8. Remembering the earth and angels will bear witness to one's deeds. 9. Being mindful of the religious texts that prohibit unrestrained looking. 10. Avoiding excessive looking. 11. Marriage, as it helps in lowering the gaze and protecting one's private parts. 12. Fasting for those who cannot marry. 13. Performing prayers that prohibit indecency and evil. 14. Remembering the houris (companions of Paradise) as an encouragement for Paradise. 15. Being mindful of the imperfections and impurities in what is being looked at. 16. Having high aspirations. 17. Self-accountability. 18. Remembering the pain and regret after an unlawful glance. 19. Knowing the benefits of lowering the gaze. 20. Explaining the dangers of unrestrained looking to others. 21. Advising relatives to avoid what incites looking. 22. Repelling intrusive thoughts and whispers. 23. Fearing a bad ending (of one's life). 24. Keeping good company. 25. Knowing that the fornication of the eye is looking.

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

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