The impermissibility of men teaching strange women (Ajnabiyyāt) without any partition separating between the two

[Part 3] The Benefits of lowering the gaze by Ibn Al-Qayyim 1⃣. It bestows the heart with light and radiance that becomes apparent in the eyes, face, and limbs. In contrast, casting glances leads to darkness that shows on the face and limbs. For this reason, Allāh mentioned the Āyah in Sūrah An-Nūr “Allāh is the Light of the heavens and the earth” after mentioning the Āyah: “Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze...” [Sūrah An-Nūr :30]. A ḥadīth that perfectly aligns with this concept states: “A glance is a poisonous arrow from the arrows of Satan, so whoever lowers his gaze from a beautiful woman, Allāh will bestow upon him a refreshing light in his heart.” *(not sure about the authenticity of this ḥadīth)* 2⃣. Avoiding looking at inappropriate things enhances insight (Baṣīrah). It is considered from its light and fruits, and when the heart is enlightened, one's insight becomes clear. Shujā' Al-Kirmāni said: “Whoever improves his appearance by following the Sunnah, and his inner self by maintaining constant vigilance, lowers his gaze from the forbidden, restrains himself from desires, and eats lawful food will never err with his insight.” Shujā' Al-Kirmāni was known for his exceptional insight. Allāh Almighty rewards a person according to their deeds. Therefore, whoever lowers his gaze from the forbidden, Allāh Almighty rewards him with the light of insight. Whoever uses his eyes to look at what is forbidden, Allāh Almighty takes away his insight. 3⃣. It frees the heart from the pain of regret. For the one who keeps looking, his regret lasts, and nothing is more harmful to the heart than sending the gaze, as it shows him what he intensely desires but cannot obtain, nor can he have patience in refraining from it, nor can he reach it. This is the ultimate pain and suffering for him. The gaze does to the heart what an arrow does to its target; if it does not kill it, it wounds it. It is like a spark that sets fire to dry grass; if it does not burn everything, it burns some of it. The viewer shoots from his gaze arrows that aim at his heart, without realizing that he is shooting his heart. 4⃣. It gives the heart strength, stability, and courage, and it makes insight and evidence predominant. In comes in the Athar (saying from the salaf), “whoever opposes their desires, the devil flees from their shadow.” That is why those who follow their desires have in their hearts weakness, humiliation, and degradation of their souls, which Allāh has made for those who prioritize their desires! 5⃣. It gives the heart a greater joy, happiness, and relief than the pleasure and joy obtained by looking at something (impermissible), because it conquers the enemy by opposing it and opposing oneself and one's desires. Also, when one refrains from pleasure and restrains one's desires for the sake of Allāh, and in that there is pleasure for his evil commanding inner self, Allāh compensates him a pleasure and enjoyment that is greater than it. As some have said, “By Allāh, the pleasure of chastity is greater than the pleasure of sin.” And there is no doubt that if the soul goes against its desires, it will be followed by a greater joy, happiness, and pleasure than the pleasure of following desires, which have no relation to each other. This is where intellect excels over desire! 6⃣. It shuts a door to one of the doors of Hell. Looking is a door to desire, which leads to committing prohibited actions. The Sharī‘ah has set a barrier to prevent people from reaching this door. However, when the barrier is lifted, the person becomes bold in committing the forbidden act, and the soul does not stop at any limit. Thus, in this door, the soul is not satisfied with a limit to stop at. Therefore, lowering the gaze closes this door from the start.