Question: I read by looking at private parts when in toilet you get bad eyesight and memory? Is this true? So how are you meant to clean/shave if you can’t look at your private parts?
Answer: Yes, it has been stated in the books of hikmah that to stare at one’s private parts makes a person forgetful. However this refers to prolonged staring for no reason.
If ones needs to look at his private parts for the sake of shaving, there is nothing wrong with it. Also when performing Istinjaa, it is not necessary that one stare at his private parts. Whilst relieving one’s self one should not look at his private parts nor at the filth coming out.
وَلَا يَنْظُرُ إلَى عَوْرَتهِ وَلَا إلَى مَا يَخْرُجُ مِنْهُ. (شامي 1/345)
And Allah is All Knowingy