I was listening to a lecture titled what women need to know about men by Yasir Qadi
He stated that men are attracted to multiple women, Not one woman.
no matter whether their single or happily married. The are created this way.
According to his lecture, a man, no matter how pious always battles himself, and his brain automatically scans and notices attractive women in the room. (He adds that thats why our sharicah demands that we lower our gaze.)
But then repeats that this is hos a man is made. (No matter the piety level) .
Or however much he loves his wife it wont make a difference. Its how hes created.
It had me really confused, so I wanted to ask brothers, to honestly shed some light on this.
I thought if a wife did her role, then it takes away the temptation because he is satisfied. Maybe Im naive.
Please respond fast
:wasalam:
After reading this thread, I have watched a short extract of this talk in which the above points were mentioned.
I have personally often wondered about this, and these are just some of my thoughts:
1. It is a fact that women are one of the greatest source of fitnah for men, as stated in authentic hadith.
So on this point, the brother is correct in mentioning that especially in todays society, this struggle against this great temptation is present more often (than in the past):
Today men often face circumstances where they are in almost constant contact with women (e.g. at work) - and in the majority of cases, these women either actively seek the attention of strange men, by means of provocative dress, speech and behaviour, or in the case of muslim women, they are aware of limits set by Allah, but they chose not to heed.
Add to this, the free, unlimited access to explicit images on the internet (from such young ages that were never heard of before), as well as a society that has become so secularised and stripped of all forms of morality, that we are caught in one of the most over-sexualised periods of history than ever before -
Its no longer possible to drive down a freeway, or enter a convenience store at the petrol station, or even watch an educational documentary on TV, without being assualted by advertising that sexually exploits women.
So, indeed, this great fitnah is present at almost every turn that one makes.
2. He mentions that it is part of
man's nature to look at beautiful women who may pass by.
I think that this is actually part of
human's nature - not just particular to men.
If a stunning women enters a room, there is an inclination, even for women (who are completely straight), to look at her.
This is because it is in our nature to be attracted towards all that is beautiful (in general) and not that which displeases our eyes.
3. However, I would have hoped that the following was mentioned the lecture:
- It is ONLY
Taqwa - the constant remembrance of Allah, knowing that we are in His presence at ALL times, fearing His displeasure with us (and His wrath),
that is the solution to this problem.
By trying to place those with very high levels piety into the same boat as everyone else, could imply that even taqwa will not help mans temptation against women.
Yes, if a beautiful women were to walk pass -
everyone will notice - for we all have eyes/ we do not walk around with blinkers.
But it is ONLY the man (or woman) with taqwa who will limit him/ herself to one look.
Who will tell himself: "I will not look again, no matter how beautiful this sight is before me, because my ALLAH is watching me. And I desire HIS pleasure more than I desire the pleasure of my nafs."
4. Our elder scholars would place more emphasis on developing Taqwa (and less emphasis on whether or not 'man is created this way').
Certainly if this temptation was so difficult to overcome, then Allah would not have commanded us to lower our gaze.
Allah does not place a burden upon us that is too difficult to bear - which means that yes, it IS possible for men to lower their gaze.....if they so desire.
Imaame Rabbaani Hazrat Mujaddid Alf-Thani (Rahimahullah) states that
The person whose gaze is not under control,
has an uncontrollable heart.
And the person that has an uncontrollable heart,
has an uncontrollable private part.
The (state of the) heart is decided by the gaze.
The fitrah of man is that which has been commanded by Allah (subhanawataála).
If Allah has commanded that we lower our gazes, this would mean that this is the best position for man and woman......and the temptation to do otherwise, is a reflection of our nafs and the influences of shaytaan.
:wa: