No, zina of the eyes does not break wudu.
Understanding Zina of the Eyes and Wudu
It's important to distinguish between the act of looking at forbidden things (zina of the eyes) and its impact on one's ritual purity (wudu). While engaging in acts like looking at obscene images is considered a sin, it does not, by itself, invalidate wudu.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Zina of the Eyes | Breaking Wudu |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Looking at forbidden or obscene content. | Acts that invalidate the state of ritual purity before prayer. |
| Religious Status | Considered sinful. | Invalidates the prayer. |
| Impact on Wudu | Does not break wudu. | Requires a new wudu to restore ritual purity. |
| Reference | "Whoever watches forbidden things such as obscene images and other content is sinful, but it does not invalidate his purity as long as he does not emit Madhiy or the like." |
Practical Insights
- Sin vs. Purity: Although zina of the eyes is a sin, it's crucial to know that sinning does not automatically nullify wudu.
- Exceptions: Wudu is broken by things like passing urine, stools, wind, deep sleep, and the emission of pre-seminal fluid (Madhiy). The reference explicitly states that watching forbidden content does not invalidate wudu as long as madhiy or the like is not emitted.
- Focus on Repentance: It is important to focus on seeking forgiveness and avoiding such acts rather than worrying about its effect on wudu, as long as no emissions are involved.
Scenario: Practical Application
- If someone views inappropriate content, they have committed a sin but do not have to redo their wudu unless the above exceptions apply. They do need to repent.
- Someone who views inappropriate content and no emissions happened can pray with the wudu they have, but it is recommended to seek repentance and avoid repeating such actions.
Conclusion
In summary, while looking at forbidden things is a sin, it does not break wudu unless other factors such as the emission of madhiy are present. It's essential to understand the difference between actions considered sinful and those that invalidate the state of ritual purity.
