Major Principles in Islam: Chastity and Honour – Pornography (part 4)
Chastity is an important topic, and we need to cover as much as possible from it to apply in our reality. We have plenty of challenges, but nevertheless, this is life, and life is full of challenges. It doesn’t mean if we have difficult topics that we stop. We continue. We do our best to find solutions and answers to our questions, and try our best to navigate our way in a manner that pleases Allah ﷻ, while keeping ourselves safe and protected.
Previously I have talked about many things, especially the concept of prohibitions and boundaries. Allah has created boundaries for our own protection. Whoever oversteps them harms themselves or others.
I spoke about the importance of lowering the gaze, of chastity, honour and reputation, and the role of marriage in facilitating the ḥalāl to protect ourselves, our youth, and our communities from immorality.
We discussed the importance of the family and the protection of lineage, including how the definition of family in the UK has shifted, with different interpretations being adopted.
I looked at the influence of social media in promoting certain agendas and the need for protection from abuse. We also discussed child protection, child abuse, and the recent government-commissioned report, led by a professor, on these matters.
Pornography and its prohibition in Islam
We mentioned in earlier sessions that Allah ﷻ has prohibited zinā (fornication or adultery) and everything that leads to it.
وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا الزِّنَىٰ ۖ إِنَّهُ كَانَ فَاحِشَةً وَسَاءَ سَبِيلًا
“And do not approach fornication. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.”
Surah Al-Isra (17:32)
Allah emphasised in His Book, the importance of lowering the gaze.
قُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze…”
Surah An-Nur (24:30)
And the following verse:
وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze…”
Surah An-Nur (24:31)
Lowering the gaze is a form of protection, a kind of firewall, shielding your system from attacks. When you disable that firewall, all sorts of viruses invade your system. This is a good analogy for our eyes, what we allow in through them matters.
Boundaries are for our safety
These boundaries from Allah ﷻ are not arbitrary. They are for our safety. Like a parent who tells their child not to play with fire or touch dangerous tools, Allah tells us: you are mature, but here are boundaries. You can cross them, but you shouldn’t. Because it will harm you.
Pornography is one of those things that begins with the gaze, looking at what is ḥarām (forbidden): nudity, indecent exposure, etc.
The impact of pornography
Numerous studies talk about the mental health impact of pornography. It’s damaging relationships between husband and wife, between parents and children. It’s creating addiction.
Even without addiction, it is still ḥarām. Whether it’s once a month or every day, the ruling does not change. Watching pornography in any form is forbidden in Islam.
Cut a long story short: watching pornography is ḥarām, full stop.
People may think it’s harmless entertainment, but research shows it impacts the brain. Prolonged exposure can alter brain structure. Brain scans have shown visible damage when compared the brains of pornography users to non-users.
This is why Allah wants to protect us, to prevent us from reaching this stage.
Even if it doesn’t lead to addiction, it’s still ḥarām because you’re viewing someone else’s nakedness. The only person whose nakedness you are allowed to see is your lawful spouse. That’s it. No exceptions, unless for genuine medical treatment or necessity.
Addiction and consequences
Pornography leads to a cycle of dopamine hits, the chemical responsible for pleasure. You feel good, then you want more, and more. This is how addiction builds.
In the US and elsewhere, pornography addiction is now recognised as a mental health issue. Support is available, and it’s treated under the umbrella of addiction, like gambling or alcohol.
Research has concluded that frequent pornography use leads to:
- behavioural changes
- isolation
- mental health deterioration
- increased risk of violence
- relationship breakdowns
People become depressed, anxious, lose sleep, experience fatigue, changes in appetite, stress, and an increased desire to consume more.
This is why Allah ﷻ said:
وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا الزِّنَىٰ
“Do not come near to zinā.”
Surah Al-Isra (17:32)
This includes anything that might lead to it, even viewing pornography.
Human dignity and sanctity
Allah ﷻ has honoured the children of Adam:
وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِي آدَمَ
“And We have certainly honoured the children of Adam…”
Surah Al-Isra (17:70)
That honour must be preserved. Addiction makes people lose this sanctity. They’re not their true selves. They’re disrespected, isolated, and spiritually and socially unwell.
Islam calls us to dignity and self-respect. It gives us boundaries, not to burden us, but to raise our status.
To summarise:
- Watching pornography is ḥarām in all circumstances.
- If someone is addicted, they should seek professional help.
- There are clear psychological and relational harms.
- Allah ﷻ wants to protect us, not restrict us.
Following Allah’s commands keeps us safe, respected, healthy, and functional in a dignified way. This is also why alcohol is ḥarām, it affects your mind, your dignity, and how people perceive you.
مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ دَاءً إِلاَّ أَنْزَلَ لَهُ شِفَاءً
“Allah did not send down a disease except that He sent for it a cure.”
Sahih al-Bukhari
Allah ﷻ loves us more than anyone. He sent His messengers to perfect human character and conduct.
Delivered by Shaykh Haytham Tamim on Feb 26th 2025 to the Convert Club