He who peeped into the house of people without their consent, it is permissible for them to put out his eyes.
Hadith Text & Context
The hadith states: "He who peeped into the house of people without their consent, it is permissible for them to put out his eyes." (Sahih Muslim 2158a)
This narration is found in The Book of Manners and Etiquette by Imam Muslim, addressing the sanctity of private life and the severe prohibition against violating others' privacy.
Scholarly Commentary (Tafsir)
The scholars explain that this hadith employs strong, rhetorical language to emphasize the gravity of the sin. The permission to "put out his eyes" is not a literal legal ruling for individuals to carry out, but a powerful metaphor indicating that the one who violates privacy has no right to complain about the consequences, as his own action was the cause. It serves as a severe warning and deterrent.
The core legal ruling derived is the absolute impermissibility of spying or looking into someone's private residence without permission. This protects the sanctity of the home, a fundamental right in Islamic law where one is safe from intrusion and exposure.
Legal Ruling & Application
Jurists unanimously agree that the act itself is a major sin (kabirah). The metaphorical language underscores that the sin is so severe that it is as if the violator has forfeited the right to the very faculty he misused. The actual punishment in Islamic law for such an offense would be a discretionary punishment (ta'zir) determined by a qualified judge, not personal retaliation.
This ruling establishes a critical principle: the inviolability of private life. A Muslim must lower their gaze and avoid any action that infringes upon the privacy and dignity of others, reflecting the comprehensive nature of Islamic ethics.