The Islamic Perspective on Pornography and the Limits of Necessity

Islam strictly prohibits looking at anything indecent, such as the naked body of others. Allah commands both men and women to lower their gaze:

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is All-Aware of what they do.”
Quran 24:30

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts…”
Quran 24:31

Pornography directly violates this Quranic command because it requires intentionally looking at indecent content.

Pornography is not a neutral activity; it desensitizes the heart, weakens iman (faith), and leads to further sins. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) warned us:

“When a man commits a sin, a black spot appears on his heart. If he repents, gives up that sin, and seeks forgiveness, his heart will be polished clean. If he does it again, (the black spot) will increase until it covers his entire heart.”
[Sunan Ibn Majah, Sahih]

Pornography normalizes indecency (fahisha) and creates addiction, leading individuals to prioritize sexual gratification over acts of worship and obedience to Allah.

The author uses Quranic verses that permit haram under extreme necessity (e.g., eating pork to survive) as evidence. However, these verses cannot be applied to situations of sexual desires, as they are not life-threatening.

The hadith about the woman forced into zina due to thirst is misapplied. The scholars ruled her innocent because she acted under coercion. Watching pornography is voluntary, not forced, and cannot be compared to life-or-death situations.

Similarly, the hadith of allowing silk for those with severe rashes applies to a medical necessity. There is no comparison between a medical need and indulging in prohibited desires.

The hadith “Actions are judged by intentions” [Sahih al-Bukhari] cannot be used to justify a haram act. A good intention does not make an impermissible action permissible. For example:

• Stealing to give charity is still haram.
• Watching pornography for sexual relief remains haram because the act itself is sinful.

Modern research has proven that pornography harms mental, emotional, and marital well-being. It leads to:

• Addiction and desensitization.
• Unrealistic expectations in marital intimacy.
• Reduced satisfaction with one’s spouse.
• Increased likelihood of zina (fornication/adultery).

These harms directly contradict the objectives of Islam (maqasid al-Shariah).

The claim that pornography is halal under necessity is baseless and goes against:

1. Clear Quranic commands to lower the gaze.
2. Numerous authentic hadiths prohibiting zina of the eyes.
3. The principle of necessity (dharurah), which applies only to life-threatening situations.
4. The maqasid al-Shariah that aim to protect faith, life, intellect, lineage, and wealth.

Instead of justifying haram actions, Muslims should seek halal solutions, such as marriage, fasting, repentance, and increasing taqwa (God-consciousness).

Allah says:

“And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out, and provide for him from where he does not expect.”
Quran 65:2-3

The “zina of the eyes” refers to looking at what Allah has forbidden, such as pornography or lustful gazes. This is sinful because it harms the heart and leads to greater sins.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The adultery of the eye is the gaze, the adultery of the tongue is speaking, the heart wishes and longs, and the private parts either confirm or deny it.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

1. In This World

   • Sins bring about anxiety, restlessness, and a lack of peace in your heart. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
     “Sin is what troubles your heart and you dislike that people find out about it.” (Muslim)
   • Habitual sin can distance you from Allah’s mercy, which is the greatest loss of all.

2. In the Hereafter

   • Allah warns those who indulge in lustful sins without repentance:
     “Know that Allah is severe in punishment and that Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Surah Al-Maidah, 5:98)

   • The Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned those who will be punished in the grave due to sins of the private parts. Zina (in all its forms) is among these severe sins.

   However, remember: Allah’s mercy surpasses His punishment for those who turn to Him sincerely.

Good deeds wipe away sins. Allah says:
“Indeed, good deeds erase bad deeds.” (Surah Hud, 11:114)

• Recite Qur’an daily, even if only a few verses.
• Pray extra prayers (nawafil).
• Give charity: Charity cleanses the soul and brings blessings.

Beg Allah for help in overcoming this struggle. Say often:
اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي وَطَهِّرْ قَلْبِي وَحَصِّنْ فَرْجِي
Transliteration: “Allahumma ighfir li dhanbi, wa tahhir qalbi, wa hassin farji.”
Meaning: “O Allah, forgive my sins, purify my heart, and protect my chastity.”

While fear of punishment is a deterrent, always pair it with hope in Allah’s mercy. Allah is Al-Ghaffar (The Forgiving) and Al-Tawwab (The Accepter of Repentance).

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, if you did not sin, Allah would replace you with people who would sin and then seek forgiveness, and He would forgive them.” (Muslim)

This hadith shows that Allah loves those who repent sincerely, even after committing sins.