Looking at a non-mahram girl's face is not always haram (forbidden), but its permissibility is strictly conditioned by the intention behind the look and the specific circumstances.
Understanding the Islamic Ruling on Gaze
Islamic teachings provide clear guidance on interactions between unrelated men and women (those who are non-mahram). A key aspect of this guidance involves the ruling on lowering the gaze. The Holy Quran addresses this in Surah An-Noor, specifically in verses 24:30-31.
The provided reference from [an-Noor 24:30-31] outlines the conditions under which looking at a non-mahram woman (which includes a girl who is considered non-mahram) is permissible or forbidden.
Conditions for Looking at a Non-Mahram Face
Based directly on the information provided in the reference [an-Noor 24:30-31], the ruling on looking at a non-mahram woman's face depends on the following:
- Looking with Desire: This is explicitly forbidden (haram). The reference states, "As for looking with desire, that is forbidden according to scholarly consensus." Any look directed at a non-mahram girl's face with the intention of deriving sexual pleasure or lust is haram.
- Looking Without Desire, When There is a Need: This is permissible. The reference clarifies, "It is permissible to look at a non-mahram woman when there is a need to do so." This permission is granted specifically when there is a legitimate purpose for looking.
- Examples of Permissible Need: The reference itself lists several situations where looking without desire is permitted due to necessity:
- When buying and selling
- Giving testimony
- Giving or receiving medical treatment
- Proposing marriage
The Default State: Lowering the Gaze
While the reference grants permission for looking without desire when there is a need, it's important to understand the general Islamic principle regarding the gaze. The preceding verse (an-Noor 24:30) commands believing men to "lower their gaze and guard their chastity." This implies that the default state is to avoid unnecessary or unrestricted looking at non-mahram women, even their faces.
Therefore, looking at a non-mahram girl's face without desire and without a valid need is generally considered impermissible or discouraged. The permission to look is conditional upon a genuine need, as specified in the verse.
Summary: When is it Haram? When is it Permissible?
In conclusion, looking at a non-mahram girl's face is haram under two main conditions:
- If it is done with desire.
- If it is done without a legitimate need, as the general command is to lower the gaze unless a necessity arises.
It is permissible only when it is done without desire and for a recognized and legitimate need, such as those examples provided in the reference (buying/selling, testimony, medical treatment, marriage proposal).
