What is the ruling on a woman looking at a man?

Question : I understand, and you are...

Answer : This is weak. Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) and others graded it as weak. It is apparent that it is anomalous, greatly so, because women have continued to go out in the streets during the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) and the time of the Caliphs until our day. Naturally, they will see men, because the man has his face uncovered. Those who say that it is not permissible for a woman to look at a man must also require men to observe the hijab so that women do not see them, but no one says that. Yes, if she takes pleasure in looking at him and feels joy and excitement, that is forbidden, just as it is forbidden for a man to take pleasure in a young boy or if lust overcomes him. But mere looking is permissible.