Nazar (Islam)

This is the first state on the path of love in several traditions. According to some sources, the faculty has to be restrained by casting down the eyes. The first regard, if accidental, is allowable; the second is not, it stirs up desire in the heart. A second glance brings love, love brings sorrow, sorrow brings death. Although a hurried and inaccurate impression at first glance may lead to love, a second may reveal the person to be even more attractive than first thought; Satan may embellish what is seen so it appears more beautiful. Even if a second glance disappoints, renunciation is then in line with one's own purposes (not, after all, finding the object of the gaze attractive) and not for God's sake. The ascetic who avoids glancing at women, as this is forbidden, is then warned against Satan's temptation to glance at youths.

Although nazar may be an activity of the eyes, it may also be an activity of the heart in response to the description of a beautiful person. Thus, if nazar is the cause of profane love it is also, in the spiritual sphere, the final cause of love for God. The beatific vision may be seen as the culmination of religious love.

One of the sins of passion (hawa) in Islam. The first cause of profane love according to Ibn al-Qayyim.