“Nazar Bar Qadam” signifies that a seeker (salik) should keep their gaze lowered towards their feet or nearby while walking or moving. One should not look far ahead without reason and should focus in front of themselves while sitting, not looking to the right or left, nor getting distracted by conversations around them. This precaution helps avoid unintentional glances at non-mahrams or hearing inappropriate speech, diverting attention from the primary objective, which is a significant loss.
In Islamic law, during prayer (namaz), there are specific instructions to look at the place of prostration during standing, at the back of the feet during bowing, at the tip of the nose during prostration, and at one’s lap during the sitting position. These instructions aim to maintain concentration and prevent scattered thoughts during prayer.
A beneficial narrative
Hazrat Rabia bin Khaytham, may Allah be pleased with him, was always seen with his head bowed down, to the extent that some thought he was blind. Hazrat Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, who had been visiting his house for twenty years, said, “By Allah, O Rabia, if the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, saw you, he would be very pleased.” Similarly, it is famous about many other saints that they did not look up towards the sky for forty years.
Like other practices of Sufis, “Nazar Bar Qadam” is also established from the Quran. Allah commands,
قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا۟ مِنْ أَبْصَـٰرِهِمْ
Quran 24:30
˹O Prophet!˺ Tell the believing men to lower their gaze
This principle of keeping one’s gaze lowered during movement follows the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and contains many wisdoms that the seeker will gradually realize.
Sheikh al-Arab wal Ajam, Hazrat Pir Fazal Ali Qureshi Muskinpuri, may Allah sanctify his secret, used to say that one should always keep the gaze towards the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, meaning always keeping the Sharia and Sunnah in view. All actions, stillness, morals, and habits should be in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet, and this is the distinguishing feature of the Naqshbandiyya way.