Is looking at non-mahram women forbidden even if it is without lust?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Looking at foreign women is forbidden, even if it is without lust. The only exceptions are the first glance and what necessity dictates. The evidence for this is Allah's saying: "Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do. And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts." Furthermore, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, made lowering the gaze a right of the road, and he did not restrict the prohibition of looking to cases intended for lust.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/50274
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 50274
- 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