The Myth of “Forbidden Gaze”: A Critique of Traditional Understanding and the Message of the Qur’an

The Qur’an forms the foundation of moral and social principles in Islam. However, over time, misinterpretations or taking these rules out of context have led to the emergence of certain superstitions.
The Qur’an states:
> “And do not approach adultery; indeed, it is an immoral act and an evil way.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:32)
This verse is often used as a basis to claim that looking at the opposite gender is forbidden. However, when we examine the verse in its proper context, we see that verses 23–38 of Surah Al-Isra address general moral principles. In this section, commands such as honoring orphans’ rights, avoiding arrogance, and maintaining fairness in measure and weight are given.
The command not to approach adultery is one of these moral principles and encourages individuals to stay away from behaviors that corrupt society. By stating “do not approach adultery,” the verse commands not only avoiding the act itself but also avoiding paths that lead to it.
However, this does not directly forbid looking at men or women. The primary factors that lead to adultery are structural societal issues, such as allowing brothels or immoral environments to exist openly. Interpreting this verse as a prohibition on looking at the opposite gender, without considering its context, distorts its meaning.
> “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity; that is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is fully aware of what they do.” (Surah An-Nur 24:30)
This verse commands believing men to lower their gaze and protect their chastity. However, the phrase “lower their gaze” does not specifically mean avoiding looking at the opposite gender; rather, it refers to lowering the gaze from anything that is morally inappropriate.
Indeed, “haram” is not limited to looking at women. Looking at pork, alcohol, or anything that leads a person toward sin can also fall under the same category.
The verse does not explicitly state “do not look at the opposite gender.” In its context, it emphasizes living a chaste life and avoiding sinful acts. In the Qur’an, obligations and prohibitions are clearly and explicitly stated. Therefore, interpreting this verse as a prohibition of looking at men or women, without context, is incorrect.
> “It is not lawful for you to marry women after this, nor to replace them with other wives, even if their beauty pleases you…” (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:52)
This verse concerns the wives of the Prophet and the rules of marriage. However, there is an important detail: it states that the Prophet could be affected by the beauty of women.
If looking at women were forbidden, it would not be possible for the Prophet to perceive or reflect upon their beauty. If such a prohibition existed, it would have been explicitly mentioned in a separate verse, just as other prohibitions are clearly stated in the Qur’an—for example, the prohibition of marrying certain women.
However, there is no such verse that explicitly forbids looking at women. This indicates that looking at the opposite gender is not inherently forbidden. What matters is intention and the nature of the gaze.
The belief that looking at men or women is absolutely forbidden is a superstition that has no basis in the Qur’an.
In Islam, the fundamental moral principles command individuals to avoid adultery, slander, theft, and injustice. However, the command to “lower the gaze” refers to avoiding moral corruption in a broader sense and protecting society from such behaviors.
If looking at women were forbidden, the Qur’an would have stated this clearly and explicitly.
The fact that the Prophet could reflect upon the beauty of women supports the understanding that there is no such general prohibition. What is important is the nature of one’s gaze. If a look is accompanied by a sinful intention, then it becomes morally problematic. However, claiming that simply looking at the opposite gender is inherently forbidden contradicts the overall message of the Qur’an.
Strengthening the moral foundation of society is only possible by living according to the true teachings of the Qur’an, free from superstitions.