(290) Chapter: Prohibition of gazing at women and Beardless Handsome Boys except in Exigency

Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) said:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Avoid sitting on roadsides." His Companions said: "O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), there is no other alternative but to sit there to talk." Thereupon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "If you have to sit at all, then fulfill the rights of the road." They asked: "What are their rights?" Thereupon he said, "Lowering the gaze (so that you may not stare at unlawful things); refraining from doing some harm to others, responding to greeting (i.e., saying 'Wa'alaikumus- salam' to one another) and commanding the good and forbidding the evil."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: Since roads, streets, lanes and all thoroughfares are the common property of public, it is unfair to use them for private meetings and gatherings because such assemblies create inconvenience for people, especially women, who hesitate appearing before men. But if for some unavoidable reasons, one has to sit on them, then he should do such things there which should on the one side, save one from committing sins (like glazing at women who pass from there), and on the other, one should take care of the public welfare and make use of his presence for preaching religion.