Is it permissible to look at women who expose themselves without desire?

The questioner : Now, if there are women in a country who expose themselves, and one looks at them without his desire being stirred, is that normal? Does one fall into this?

The Shaykh : The apparent meaning of the noble verse is general; it is obligatory for you to lower your gaze. Likewise, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said so. But the first glance is not like the second, which is like fire. A person may not desire it, and may even dislike this action of his. It is well known that with dislike, there is no desire. However, Satan flows through the son of Adam like blood.

The presenter : For this reason.

The Shaykh : I have seen the Quranic expression: "And do not approach zina," for it prohibited approaching it, because whoever approaches it enters it.

The presenter : Whenever one’s self is capable of this thing, he must restrain himself behind patience.

The Shaykh : It must not be absolute; it must be absolute.