The Eye: A Path to Wisdom or an Enemy Within?

Our eyes are a gateway to the world, but do they always show us the truth? Or can they become our greatest enemy? The way we see things shapes our thoughts, actions, and ultimately, our destiny. However, our vision is not merely a physical ability; it is a reflection of our inner state. Anger, lust, and bias distort our perception, making us spiritually “squint-eyed” and preventing us from seeing reality as it is.

The Quran 41:20 says, .. and when all have arrived, their ears, their eyes, and their skins shall bear witness against them, stating all that they had done in the life of the world. 

The Power of Correct Vision

One of the key principles of personal and spiritual growth is learning to see things correctly. This means not just looking, but understanding, interpreting, and deriving wisdom from what we perceive. 

The way we see the world is influenced by the mental and emotional "filters" we place before our eyes. Just as a blue glass makes everything appear blue, anger, prejudice, and uncontrolled emotions distort reality. They create illusions, making us believe in things that are not there or misinterpret what is right in front of us.

The Danger of Emotional Blindness

Anger, in particular, can blind a person to truth and justice. Consider the example of a man who, during a heated argument with his friend, allowed his anger to overpower him. In a moment of rage, he uttered harsh and unforgivable words that deeply humiliated his friend. Although the argument ended, the emotional wounds remained. Later, the man was overcome with regret, realizing that his uncontrolled anger had cost him a lifelong friendship. His inability to manage his emotions clouded his judgment, leading to a loss that could not be easily repaired.

The Qur’an advises us to restrain our anger, forgive others, and act with kindness. When Imam Husain ibn Ali was angered by his servant’s mistake, the servant reminded him of the Quranic verse, “those who restrain their anger and pardon people.” 3:134 Imam Husain not only forgave the servant but also set him free. This moment of wisdom shows how true vision is not just about seeing but about understanding and responding with righteousness.

Seeing Beyond Bias

Apart from anger and lust, bias and favoritism can also distort a person's perception of reality. When individuals view the world through the lens of partisanship or personal allegiance, they lose their sense of objectivity. This spiritual disease of favoritism blinds people to truth, leading them to support falsehood or injustice simply because it favors their tribe, community, or personal interests.

Align the Heart with Sight

Not every act of seeing leads to understanding. True vision requires self-reflection, emotional control, and a commitment to truth. The choice is ours: will our eyes guide us to wisdom, or will they become our enemy?

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was once asked if believers would see their Lord. In response, he asked, "Do you have any difficulty seeing the sun on a cloudless day?" He then explained that seeing Allah would be just as clear and effortless. (Sunan Abi Dawud)

This hadith teaches that the ability to see Allah depends on having a purified spiritual perception—one that sees beyond the superficial. Just as a clear sky allows an unobstructed view of the sun or moon, sincere God-consciousness (taqwa) enables a believer to perceive divine truth without distortion.

.. It is not people’s eyes that are blind, but their hearts within their breasts. Quran 22:46

For those with hearts unclouded by arrogance, sin, or bias, the vision of Allah will be as effortless as gazing upon the sky on a bright, clear day.