is attested by numerous hadiths, such as the hadith of the Khathʿami woman, the hadith of the daughter of Hubayrah, and others mentioned in Women’s Jilbab and Wedding Etiquettes. I say: If this was all that could be seen of women at that time, then there can be no doubt that the command to lower one’s gaze is all the more emphatic in this age, in which there have appeared “women who are clothed yet naked,” concerning whom the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “There are two types among the people of Hell whom I have not yet seen...” The hadith further states:

“Women who are clothed yet naked, leading others astray and themselves inclined to evil; their heads are like the humps of Bactrian camels. They shall not enter Paradise...”

The hadith, together with its authentication, has previously appeared under no. (1326). Thus it is a duty upon every Muslim—especially the young among them—to lower their gaze, to refrain from looking at indecent images that arouse their passions and stir their latent desires, and to hasten to marry early in order to preserve their chastity. If they are unable to do so, they should fast, for it curbs desire, as he, peace and blessings be upon him, said. This is an authentic hadith, documented in al-Irwaʾ (1781). They should not resort to masturbation (the “secret habit”) instead of fasting (1), lest they be like those among the objects of Allah’s wrath of whom Allah said: “Would you exchange that which is inferior for that which is better?!” (al-Baqarah: 61).

I ask Allah Most High to employ us and the Muslims in obedience to Him, and to turn us away from the disobedience that does not please Him. Indeed, He is All-Hearing, Ever-Responsive.