Whatever we look at or even see, enters our mind and soul, and sticks to them. Imam Ali (AS) said: “The eye is the reporter of heart and the messenger of mind.” [1]. It means that every act of looking profoundly affects our heart and soul. The prophet (PBUH&HP) said: “Avoid unnecessary excess looks as they grow lust in your hearts and make you heedless.” [2].

In another saying from Imam Ali (AS), we read that: “The eyes are the snares of Satan” [3]. That is why Islam has special guidelines and rules about at what or whom, one is allowed or not to look. And, this is more pressing in case of Muslims living in a non-Muslim society, where they are constantly exposed to both men and women freely and improperly dressed in the streets, TV, magazines, web pages, etc. Islam has regulated looking at the opposite gender according to the two categories: Mahrams and non-Mahrams [4].

Men Looking at Mahram Women 

A man is permitted to look at the body of a woman who is his Mahram, except her private parts (Awrah). And he must not look at her body from the navel down to the knee. This means that a woman should dress decently even in the presence of her Mahrams. One’s wife is an exception to this rule; married couples are allowed to look at the entire body of each other.

Men Looking at non-Mahram Women

It is forbidden for a man to look at the body of any non-Mahram woman but he can look at her hands and face as long as they do not have any decoration. If the woman is Muslim, then he is not allowed to look at her hair. But if she is not Muslim, looking at her hair is not forbidden as long as it is not for pleasure.

Generally, there is no sin on a man for the first involuntary look at any non-Mahram woman, but the second look should be avoided [5]. In any case, men should remember that: “Tell the faithful men to cast down their looks and to guard their private parts. That is more decent for them.” (24:30).

This rule also extends to adolescent boys and even younger ones, who understand women’s physical attributes and might be attracted to them. They should be taught to lower their gaze, too. Since children’s minds and souls are clear lands ready to be cultivated with several types of thoughts and ideas mostly captured by eyes, we need to teach them which seeds they should plant in their lands to attain Allah’s eternal satisfaction.

Men Looking at Other Men and Women Looking at Other Women

A man is not allowed to look at another man’s private parts, nor a woman at those of another woman; whether Muslim or not. Besides, looking at any parts of the body of another man, even the face and arms, will be forbidden for a man if done with the intention of having pleasure. The same ruling applies to a woman towards another woman. This also means that one should always cover his/her private parts in the presence of others, even of the same gender.

Women Looking at Mahram Men

A woman is allowed to look at the body of a man who is her Mahram, except his private parts, if it is not for having pleasure. One’s husband is an exception to this rule as mentioned earlier. 

Women Looking at non-Mahram Men

A woman is not permitted to look at the body of a non-Mahram man, except for the face, hands, and that amount which men usually [i] do not cover and if it is not for pleasure.

Looking at a Small Child's Private Parts

One is permitted to look at the entire body of a child until he/she reaches the age when the child’s consciousness of sex has developed, or when evidence of sexual urge is noticed on him/her; even if it is before reaching puberty. However, it is better to accustom the child to always dress properly.

As a general rule, it is forbidden (Haram) to look at anyone (even at one’s own body) or anything (including people’s photos and films, statues, etc.) with the intention of having pleasure (with the exception of one’s spouse), even if one is looking at a Mahram.

In cases of “necessity” such as in administering first aid, medical treatment [ii] or during a trial testimony where the judge requests the witness to look at a non-Mahram to identify him/her [6], all the rules of the prohibition of looking become void. As an instance, if a doctor is compelled to look at a part of the body of a non-Mahram woman, he must only look at that part necessary for the treatment, but not more than that. Also, if possible, the examination or testing must be performed over the clothing. Other exceptions are looking at one’s spouse as explained above.

Notes:

[i] This, although following a definite limit indicated in Islamic ruling that should be respected, is based on the normal condition of each society to some extent.

[ii] In the case that a doctor of the same skill and with the same gender is not available.

References:

1. M. B. Majlesi, “Bihar al-Anwar”, vol. 104, p. 41, T. 52.
2. M. B. Majlesi, “Bihar al-Anwar”, vol. 72, p. 199.
3. M. B. Majlesi, “Bihar al-Anwar”, vol. 77, p. 294.
4. www.al-islam.org
5. Ibn Babawayh, “Man la yahduruhu al-Faqih”, vol.3, p.474, T. 4658.
6. looking to others

1. How to Treat People

Treat people the way you like to be treated.

Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.297.

2. Good Temper 

The best of virtues is being good-tempered. 

al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Khisal (The Traits), p.29.

3. Serving Allah in Imam Hasan (AS)'s View

Whoever serves Allah sincerely, Allah will make all the universe serve him/her. 

Warram b. Abi Firas al-Hilli, Tanbih al-khawatir wa nuzhat al-nawazir , vol.2, p.108.

4. Giving Thanks

The one who doesn't give thanks for his/her blessings is a worthless person.

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p. 233.

5. The Month of Ramadan

Allah has made the month of Ramadan like a competition for His servants, to compete for His satisfaction with each other through obeying Him. 

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.236.

6. Your Neighbor

Treat your neighbor kindly to be worthy of being a Muslim.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.112.

7. Think and Contemplate

I advise you to think and contemplate since they enliven an insightful person's heart and are the key to wisdom.

Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.297.

8. Consulting in Imam Hasan (AS)'s Words

Consulting in groups leads you toward success. 

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.233.

9. A True Friend

A true friend is always on your side, whether in hardships or comforts. 

 al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.114. 

10. The Meaning of Patience according to Imam Hasan (AS) 

Patience means restraining from anger and having yourself under control.

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.227. 

11. Your Creation is Not Vain

O' servants of Allah, beware that Allah had not created you in vain, nor left you on your own. Instead, He had determined the years of your lives and has distributed your sustenance among you. This way, any wise person will realize his/her worth and that he/she won't get more than what has been determined for him/her.

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.234.

12.This Life and the Life that Is to Come

Strive for this life as if you will live forever, and make every effort for the life that is to come as if you will die the next day. 

Muhammad Reza, Ali and Muhammad Hakimi, Al-Hayat (Life), vol.4, p.62.

13. A Reflection on this World by Imam Hasan (AS)

This world is the dwelling of pain and hardship, and whatever rests here is doomed to mortality. Allah had informed us of this world's workings to learn our lessons from it. He has warned us beforehand so that no excuse will remain at the end for us. Therefore, be pious in dealing with what is temporal (i.e., this world) and seek what is eternal (the afterlife). 

Muhammad b. 'Ali b. Shahrashub, Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib, vol.4, p.31. 

14. The Quran

Verily, the lights of guidance in this Quran leads toward prosperity. This Quran heals hearts and souls. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p.11.

15. The Right and Wrong

There is a thin line between what is right and wrong; what you see with your own eyes is the right thing, and what you hear or is told about might be wrong. 

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.229.

16. Be Grateful

Being grateful for the blessings and being patient in hardships, are the virtues to which you can't find any negative side. 

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.234.

17. Your Religion 

Verily, people are slaves to this world and its wealth and make their religion a means of reaching their (worldly) purposes and do whatever it takes to build an ideal life. Therefore, when faced with a trial, few will adhere to their religions.

Qadi Nur Allah Shushtari, Ihqaq al-haqq, vol.11, p.234.

18. Know Allah

Whoever knows Allah, will fall in love with Him. 

Warram b. Abi Firas al-Hilli, Tanbih al-khawatir wa nuzhat al-nawazir, vol.1, p.52. 

19. The Blessings 

The blessings are unappreciated as long as they are at hand, yet their worth will be appreciated as soon as they are lost.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.115.

20. Meanness 

Meanness is considering what you own as the reason for your honor, and what you give away as waste. 

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.225.

 21. Poverty 

Poverty is the greed that is not satisfied with anything.

 Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, pp.225&226.

22. Ponder as Imam Hasan (AS) Says

I advise you to piety and constant pondering since thinking is the root of all virtues.

Warram b. Abi Firas al-Hilli, Tanbih al-khawatir wa nuzhat al-nawazir, vol.1, p.52.

23. The Ability to Supplicate

When Allah blesses someone with the ability to supplicate to Him, He surely gives his/her prayers the chance of being granted. 

 al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.113.

24. An Unnecessary Burden 

Expressing your opinion on the subject, which is not related to you, puts an unnecessary burden on your shoulders.

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.226.

25. The Sign of Abasement

Being afraid of honesty and expressing the truth is a sign of abasement.

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.226.

26. Three Destructive Things in Imam Hasan (AS)'s Words

There are three things that bring destruction to people; pride, greed, and envy. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.111. 

27. The Best Chance to Forgive

The best chance for a benevolent person to forgive a guilty one is when there is no way out for the latter.

 Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.297.

28. The Spirit of Generosity

Whoever counts the number of his/her charities, ruins his/her spirit of generosity. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.113.

29. The Eyes and the Ears

The most insightful eyes are the ones that are fixed only on the goodness and virtues, and the most receptive ears are the ones who listen to advice and make use of them.

 al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.109.

30. Silence, Recommended by Imam Hasan (AS)

At times, silence is a better companion, even if you are a perfect speaker.

 al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Ma'ani l-Akhbar, section no.401. Hadith no. 62. 

31. The Calamities 

The calamities are the keys to blessings and rewards. 

Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.297.

32. Worshiping Allah

Whoever seeks to worship [Allah] sincerely, should purify him/herself for this purpose. 

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.236.

33. A Precious Wealth 

No wealth is more precious than wisdom.

 Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.2, p.198.

34. Wisdom

Treating people good-manneredly is a crucial part of wisdom. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.111.

35. Teach 

Teach your knowledge to others and learn what others know; this way, you will both improve your own knowledge and learn what you didn't know about.

 Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.2, p.197.

36. Food for Thought

I wonder how you would think about the food for your body and don't contemplate on the food for your thought? You restrain from eating what is harmful to your body, but fill your mind and soul with what ruins them. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.1, p.218. 

37. Anger

Your [real] thoughts will be revealed in your anger. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78., p.113.

38. Allah's Satisfaction

I guarantee that Allah will grant the prayers of the one whose only purpose is Allah's satisfaction. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.43. , p.351.

39. Trust Allah

Whoever trusts Allah's best intention,  will only desire what Allah chooses for him/her. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78., p.106.

40. Alms-Tax

Giving alms-tax (Zakat) does not reduce your wealth.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.96., p.23.