Pornography addiction has become a global concern, with millions of people around the world suffering from its enslaving effects. In Islamic Shariah, watching porn is unequivocally deemed haram or forbidden.
The Quranic verses in Surah Al-Isra, Surah An-Nur, and Surah Al Mu’minun explicitly address issues related to sexual misconduct, highlighting the violation of modesty and dignity inherent in watching porn.
Hadiths further emphasize the severity of this transgression, equating it to adultery of the eyes and warning of its crippling effects. Islamic scholars and teachings stress the need for repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah when engaging in such activities.
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We will discuss the negative effects of watching porn, the punishments associated with indulging in such acts, and measures to overcome this addiction.
Effects of Watching Porn According to Islam
The effects of watching porn, according to Islam, are multifaceted and deeply intertwined with the religious teachings and values. Among them are:
1. Violation of Quranic Verses
According to Islamic Shariah, the act of watching porn is considered a violation of Quranic verses due to its detrimental effects on individuals and society. Quranic verses explicitly condemn actions that lead to immoral behavior, and watching porn falls under this category.
In Surah Al-Isra (17:32), Allah says:
“Do not go near adultery. It is truly a shameful deed and an evil way.”
This verse sternly warns against approaching adultery, describing it as a shameful and evil deed.
Also, in Surah An-Nur (24:30), Allah says: “˹O Prophet!˺ Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what they do.”
According to this verse, believers should keep their eyes off what’s unlawful and guard their honor. This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity in thoughts and actions, highlighting the negative consequences of indulging in pornographic material.
2. Zina of the Eyes
Indulging in the act of viewing pornographic material leads to the phenomenon known in Islam as ‘Zina of the Eyes,’ causing significant effects on individuals and society as a whole.
A Hadith found in Sahih Muslim 2658a, Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (S) as saying:
“Allah fixed the very portion of adultery which a man will indulge in. There would be no escape from it. The adultery of the eye is the lustful look and the adultery of the ears is listening to voluptuous (song or talk) and the adultery of the tongue is licentious speech and the adultery of the hand is the lustful grip (embrace) and the adultery of the feet is to walk (to the place) where he intends to commit adultery and the heart yearns and desires which he may or may not put into effect.”
This Hadith clearly states that indulging in pornographic material is a form of adultery, and it ultimately leads to committing the act physically.
3. Degradation and Objectification
Engaging in the viewing of pornographic content leads to the degradation and objectification of individuals, which goes against Islam’s modesty and dignity. Islamic values emphasize the inherent worth and respect for every individual, regardless of their gender or appearance.
In Surah Al-A’raf (7:33), Allah says:
“Say, “My Lord has only forbidden immoralities – what is apparent of them and what is concealed – and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.”
So, not only is watching porn considered a sin, but it also leads to the oppression of individuals and objectifies them for personal pleasure.
4. Sinful Thoughts and Actions
The watching of porn is recognized as a source of sinful thoughts and actions, leading individuals away from the path of righteousness described in the Quran.
Islam emphasizes the importance of maintaining pure thoughts and intentions, so watching pornographic content leads to sinful fantasies and thoughts.
The Quran emphasizes the need to guard one’s chastity and avoid sexual misconduct, permitting sexual relations only within the bounds of marriage.
In Surah Al Mu’minun (23:1-7), Allah says:
“Successful indeed are the believers, those who humble themselves in prayer; those who avoid idle talk; those who pay alms-tax; those who guard their chastity, except with their wives or those ˹bondwomen˺ in their possession, for then they are free from blame, but whoever seeks beyond that are the transgressors;”
Watching porn leads to disobedience towards Allah and is considered a form of transgression.
5. Addiction and Enslavement
Watching porn can lead to a dangerous addiction and trap individuals in a cycle of enslavement. The addictive nature of pornography can disrupt one’s ability to maintain self-control and resist the allure of explicit content, gradually leading to a loss of autonomy.
Individuals who engage in such activities may also experience feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
6. Impact on Relationships and Families
The detrimental effects of watching porn extend beyond the individual’s addiction and enslavement, impacting their relationships and families. Islam strongly emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the importance of maintaining healthy family bonds.
Pornography disrupts this balance by promoting unrealistic and distorted perceptions of intimacy, which can lead to dissatisfaction and conflict within relationships.
It creates a false sense of what a healthy sexual relationship should be, often portraying aggressive or degrading acts that are contrary to the teachings of Islam. This can result in a breakdown of trust and communication between spouses, leading to emotional distance and even the dissolution of marriages.
7. Disconnection From Prayer and Worship
Indulging in pornography can lead individuals to disconnect from prayer and worship, making it harder for them to fulfill their religious obligations. As a result, they may lose their spiritual connection with Allah, leading to a lack of fulfillment and purpose in life.
Punishment for Watching Porn in Islam
Islam does not prescribe specific worldly punishments for individuals who engage in the act of watching porn.
But as watching porn is considered Zina of the eyes, a sin of the gaze, the repercussions are primarily spiritual and will be accounted for in the Hereafter. Individuals will be held accountable for their actions in the afterlife.
Muslims are encouraged to seek repentance and forgiveness from Allah, recognize their wrongdoing, feel remorse, and commit sincerely to refrain from this sinful act. Allah is described as the Most Merciful and Forgiving, and through repentance, believers can hope for His mercy and forgiveness.
How to Avoid Watching Porn?
To prevent the detrimental effects of watching porn, individuals should take the following measures:
1. Seek Allah’s Help
To avoid the temptation of watching porn, seek Allah’s guidance and help. Muslims are encouraged to turn to Allah through prayer and supplication to fortify their resolve to resist temptation.
2. Establish a Supportive Environment
Creating a supportive environment is crucial in avoiding the pitfalls of pornography. Individuals should surround themselves with like-minded peers who share their commitment to Islamic principles.
This network of support can provide encouragement, accountability, and a sense of collective responsibility that will reinforce one’s commitment to avoiding porn.
3. Seek Guidance From Islamic Scholars
Islamic scholars play a critical role in providing guidance and counsel to individuals seeking to avoid the pitfalls of watching pornography. They possess a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of Islamic teachings, enabling them to provide practical advice and solutions.
Seeking counsel from scholars can help individuals navigate the challenges they may encounter on their journey toward a porn-free life.
4. Fast and Practice Self-Discipline
To effectively avoid watching porn, according to Islamic teachings, individuals must prioritize fasting and practicing self-discipline.
Fasting isn’t solely about abstaining from food and drink; it encompasses exercising control over one’s desires and impulses. By engaging in self-discipline during the fasting period, believers strengthen their ability to resist the allure of pornography.
5. Divert Attention and Engage in Positive Alternatives
To avoid watching pornography, individuals must divert their attention from temptations and engage in positive alternatives that contribute to personal development.
Engaging in activities like education, exercise, or community service can help redirect focus to constructive pursuits and minimize explicit content exposure.
6. Use Content Filters
The widespread availability of explicit content online has made it essential for individuals to use content filters and parental controls. These technological measures serve as a protective barrier, preventing inadvertent exposure to explicit content and safeguarding a virtuous lifestyle.
7. Make Promises to Allah
Making promises to Allah is a profound and personal approach to help avoid pornography. It involves solemnly vow to abstain from explicit content, seeking forgiveness for past transgressions, and pledging to uphold Islamic teachings.
Such promises aid in reinforcing one’s determination and commitment to living a life free from the influence of pornographic material.
Avoid Watching Porn and Reclaiming a Fulfilling Life in Islam
Watching porn in Islam is unequivocally considered haram, from violating Quranic verses to causing addiction and its impact on relationships and spirituality. While Islam does not prescribe worldly punishments, individuals are urged to seek repentance and forgiveness.
To avoid these detrimental effects, believers are advised to seek Allah’s help, establish a supportive environment, and utilize guidance from Islamic scholars.
Fasting, discipline, finding positive alternatives, using content filters, and making promises to Allah are all part of overcoming the porn temptation.
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Sources:
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/166123/is-watching-porn-haram
https://www.islamweb.net/en/fatwa/81786/zina-of-the-eye-pornography
https://islamqa.org/hanafi/muftionline/128420/punishment-for-watching-porn-movies/
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