Author: Dr. Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time—A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (part 110)
The Miraculous Wisdom of the Qur’an in Regulating Sexual Instinct
It is important to note that the greatness of Allah in the verses of the Qur’an is not limited merely to moral and spiritual guidance; rather, at deeper levels, it also points to the precise and astonishing system of human creation. According to the Qur’an, the human being is a composite of body, soul, intellect, and instincts, and divine guidance aims at harmonizing these dimensions. Therefore, many religious rulings and teachings, in addition to their spiritual effects, also carry biological, psychological, and social consequences.
One of the clear manifestations of divine power and wisdom is the human memory and cognitive ability. Memory is not merely a tool for storing information; it is a center that connects experience, emotion, instinct, and decision-making. This complex ability itself reflects the precise order of creation and the wise design of Allah in the neurological and psychological structure of human beings. Stimulating or disturbing any sensory input especially sight can directly affect memory, emotions, and sexual instinct.
The Five Senses and the Unique Role of Sight in Stimulating Instincts
Among the five senses, the eye plays a unique role in transmitting neural signals and stimulating hormones. Vision is the fastest and most penetrating channel of human interaction with the environment, and its impact on the brain and nervous system is deeper than that of other senses.
For this reason, the Qur’an issues a precise, preventive, and wise command regarding the gaze: «قُل لِّلمُؤمِنِينَ يَغُضُّواْ مِن أَبصَٰرِهِم وَيَحفَظُواْ فُرُوجَهُم ذَٰلِكَ أَزكَىٰ لَهُم… وَقُل لِّلمُؤمِنَٰتِ يَغضُضنَ مِن أَبصَٰرِهِنَّ وَيَحفَظنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ» Translation: “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity; that is purer for them… And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity.”
The word “azka” implies greater purity, growth, and benefit. This expression carries a dual meaning:
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Spiritual purification from sin
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Physical health and biological balance
Thus, controlling the gaze is not merely an act of worship but also a mechanism for maintaining balance in the human body and psyche.
The Gaze: A Trigger for Hormonal Activation
From a biological perspective, repeated exposure to sexual stimuli activates a chain reaction in the body—similar to pulling the trigger of a weapon. With each stimulating glance, neural signals are sent from the retina to the emotional centers of the brain, leading to the release of sexual hormones.
These hormones produce several physiological changes:
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Cardiovascular changes: increased heart rate, dilation of peripheral vessels, constriction of arteries, and elevated blood pressure
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Urinary and reproductive system changes: closure of the urinary pathway, activation of reproductive pathways, and secretion of lubricating and protective fluids
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Blood chemistry changes: preparing the body for reproduction
Under natural conditions, these processes should lead to lawful and balanced release. However, continuous stimulation without release leads to hormonal accumulation, which may become harmful to the body.
Physical and Biological Consequences of Uncontrolled Gaze
Medical observations suggest that constant exposure to sexual stimuli—through workplaces, media, films, magazines, and social platforms—causes continuous hormonal circulation, which gradually becomes harmful. Its effects include:
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Skin and glands: excessive sweating, unpleasant body odor, acne
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Headaches and migraines: due to overstimulation of the nervous system
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Joints and bones: hormonal imbalance leading to stiffness and pain
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Cardiovascular system: poor circulation, arterial blockage, increased risk of heart disease
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Digestive system: constipation, gallstones, and prostate issues
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Psychological disorders: weak memory, lack of concentration, anxiety, restlessness
This shows that the impact of improper gaze is not limited to the body but extends to mental health as well.
Prophetic Guidance and Its Scientific Confirmation
The Prophet (SAW) stated a profound truth centuries ago: «النظرة سهم من سهام إبليس مسمومة فمن تركها من خوف الله أثابه جل وعز إيمانا يجد حلاوته في قلبه» Translation: “The (forbidden) glance is a poisoned arrow from the arrows of Satan. Whoever abandons it out of fear of Allah, Allah will grant him faith whose sweetness he will feel in his heart.”
This hadith likens the forbidden gaze to a poisoned arrow—a remarkably accurate description scientifically, as harmful stimulation spreads through the body much like poison.
Divine Wisdom and Strengthening Faith
Allah does not command or prohibit anything without wisdom: «لِيَزدَادُوٓاْ إِيمَٰنا مَّعَ إِيمَٰنِهِم» Translation: “So that they may increase in faith along with their (existing) faith.”
Acting upon these commands strengthens both faith and physical well-being—an integration of belief, awareness, and health.
In summary, the Qur’anic command to lower the gaze and regulate sexual instinct is not merely moral or spiritual guidance; it is a comprehensive system for maintaining physical, psychological, and spiritual health. Modern science, through research and experimentation, confirms what the Qur’an and Prophetic teachings have conveyed through revelation.
Controlling the gaze protects a person from physical deterioration, mental anxiety, and cognitive weakness, while leading to inner purity, emotional tranquility, and strong faith.
As beautifully expressed in classical poetry:
يا راميا بسهام اللحظ مجتهدا
أنت القتيل بما ترمي فلا تصب
وباعث الطرف يرتاد الشفاء له
احبس رسولك لا يأتيك بالعطب
Translation:
“O you who strive in shooting arrows of glances,
You are slain by what you cast—so do not shoot.
And you who send your gaze seeking cure,
Hold back your messenger, lest it bring you harm.”
Thus, guarding the gaze and controlling the self is both a shield for the body and a bridge to the salvation of the soul.
To be continued…
Previous Part
Sources:
- An-Nur: 30–31.
- Acne (pimples) is a common skin condition that occurs when skin pores become blocked by oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. It most commonly appears on the face, back, chest, and shoulders. It is more prevalent during adolescence but can also occur in adults.
- Al-Mustadrak ‘ala al-Sahihayn by al-Hakim, Book of Softening the Hearts (Kitab al-Riqaq), Hadith No. 7875, Scientific Edition, Vol. 4, p. 349.
- Al-Fath: 4.
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Encyclopedia of Scientific Miracles in the Qur’an and Sunnah, Vol. 1, pp. 126–129.
