Our Mashaaikh are master diagnosticians of the Nafs. With remarkable insight, they can detect the traps of Shaytaan from the slightest signs—often signs we ourselves fail to notice. Thereafter, with love and care, they guide us in ridding ourselves of these spiritual maladies. Their ability to diagnose the Ruhani sicknesses of the Ummah surpasses even the finest physicians. Yet, tragically, our negligence, the pull of our Nafs, and the deception of Shaytaan blind us from taking their guidance seriously, leaving us entrenched in destructive habits.
The word pandemic originates from the Greek pan meaning “all” and demos meaning “people.” Lexicologically, it refers to an outbreak of disease that spreads across wide geographical areas and affects a considerable proportion of the population. This definition fits perfectly for the scourge of pornography and masturbation. Statistics reveal a grim reality: globally, nearly 80% of people watch pornography, yet only 40% of them believe it is harmful. In the USA alone, over twelve million men (11% of the population) identify as addicts, alongside 3.5 million women. Most shocking of all—97% of men and 87% of women have viewed pornography at least once in their lives. Truly, this is a toxic pandemic, one that makes the COVID-19 pandemic seem like a mere common cold in comparison.
The Root Cause: The Gaze
Our Mashaaikh emphasize that the pandemic of pornography and masturbation stems from failing to protect the gaze. It is imperative that one guards the gaze with vigilance, for it is Shaytaan’s most potent weapon in dragging a person into the cesspit of lust (Shahwat). Ibnul Jawzi (Rahimahullah) records the advice of Esa (Alayhis Salaam):
إِيَّاكُمْ وَالنَّظْرَةَ فَإِنَّهَا تَزْرَعُ فِي الْقَلْبِ الشَّهْوَةَ وَكَفَى بِهَا لِصَاحِبِهَا فِتْنَةً
Beware of the gaze. For verily it plants the seed of lust in the heart. And this is sufficient as a tribulation for a person. [Zammul Hawaa:91]
From this lustful glance, Shaytaan leads one further into sin—first pornography, then masturbation. Abdullah ibn Mas’ood (Radiyallahu Anhu) warned:
الْإِثْم حواز الْقُلُوب وَمَا من نظرة إِلَّا وللشيطان فِيهَا مطمع
Sin overpowers the heart. And no one casts an (evil, lustful) glance, except that Shaytaan has hope from it (that it will lead to other sins). [Targheeb wat Tarheeb:2932]
Thus, protecting the gaze is essential, especially for those battling these addictions. By shunning lustful glances, one strengthens the heart’s resolve, making it easier to control desires.
Allah Ta’ala Himself promises:
إِنَّ النَّظْرَةَ سَهْمٌ مِنْ سِهَامِ إِبْلِيسَ مَسْمُومٌ، مَنْ تَرَكَهَا مَخَافَتِي أَبْدَلْتُهُ إِيمَانًا يَجِدُ حَلَاوَتَهُ فِي قَلْبِهِ
Verily the gaze is a poisonous arrow from the arrows of Shaytaan. Whoever abstains from it out of My (Allah Ta’ala’s) fear, I will bless him with such Imaan, which he will perceive the sweetness of in his heart. [Mu’jamul Kabeer:10362]
This is a tried and tested prescription. The fleeting pleasure of a lustful glance pales in comparison to the divine sweetness of Imaan promised by Allah Ta’ala. Those who lower their gaze for His sake have truly tasted this sweetness.
Advice from Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Mueed (Hafizahullah)
Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Mueed (Hafizahullah), son of Shafeequl Ummah Moulana Muhammad Farouq (Rahimahullah), offers profound advice on the destructive link between the gaze, pornography, and masturbation:
“The destruction of masturbation and pornography stems from the gaze. We death scroll social media all day. The algorithm is created such, that even the cleanest of timelines are forcefully subjected to nudity. Everything, in every direction and at every moment is a direct invitation to Zina. And naturally, if milk is placed on heat, it must boil over. These lustful desires are now built up within us. The accessibility to porn has become a very convenient way to get a quick release. This detrimental chain continues as long as we continue misusing our eyes. Our lifestyles and habits cause internal arousal, and for most, masturbation is the only avenue to satiate it. This destroys a person’s youthfulness and takes him to the extent that he is unable to fulfil the rights of his wife after marriage. this destroys marital intimacy and closeness and removes the Barakah of Nikah. Furthermore, the fulfilment of having children, and the responsibility of one’s progeny/bloodline continuing is also destroyed. All these natural processes are now endangered because of the rise of social media.
Masturbation has no benefit, and causes severe punishment in this world, Qabr and Akhirah. The only way to rid oneself of a porn and masturbation addiction is to instil the fear of Allah Ta’ala in one’s heart. Furthermore, we must realise the destruction which social media causes in every sphere of life; a person’s character, Imaan, dealings and everything else is negatively affected. Even a person’s mental and sexual health is irreparably damaged by them.
Social media and pornography are destroying our future generations, and they are on the increase every day. We should ponder over this for a moment; everything has become so expensive nowadays. Food, livelihood, petrol etc. but the internet hasn’t. Access to social media and pornography has become so easy and cheap! The objective of this is to weaken Iman on a global scale.
We need to constantly remind ourselves of the harms of these things by sitting in the company of the seniors and repeatedly listening to their lectures. Inshallah this will allow the reality to set into our hearts and minds.
May Allah Ta’ala keep us all in His Divine protection. May he save us and our children from these sicknesses. Aameen.”
To be continued Insha Allah.