Surah Al-Isra (17:32)

Explanation & Connection to Overcoming Harmful Habits

Notice that Allah says 'do not approach' — not merely 'do not commit.' This is a profound distinction. The prohibition extends to everything that leads toward zina: the glance, the click, the scroll, the private browsing. Scholars have long noted that this verse establishes the Islamic principle of blocking the means (sadd adh-dhara'i) — cutting off the pathways to sin before they reach their conclusion. Viewing pornography is one of those pathways. Every time you close a tab, block a site, or put your phone down, you are obeying this divine command to not even approach the path that leads to haram.