Intimate Parts in Islam: The Role of Awrah in Islamic Ethics

Introduction

The concept of Awrah is essential to Islamic principles of modesty and privacy. In Islam, awrah defines the parts of the body that should be covered in public and the presence of specific individuals. The word Awrah, derived from Arabic, translates to intimate parts or areas of vulnerability. This guideline shapes personal behavior and dress and reflects broader cultural values within Islamic communities.

For more information about modesty, visit this blog post: Inner and Outer Beauty: Modesty and Humility in Islam.

This practice is not just about physical covering but also represents the values of humility, respect, and refinement. By following the principles of Awrah, Muslims honor their faith and uphold a standard of modesty that impacts their relationships and societal roles. Understanding Awrah helps encourage a sense of identity and righteousness, supporting the moral and ethical framework within the Islamic way of life.

Historical Context

Awrah in Islam provides guidelines for modesty and covering for individuals from the early days of the religion. Before the beginning of Islam, Arabian societies had various customs related to modesty and clothing. Some nomadic crews had less strict covering forms than settled communities, which needed to be standardized. They were formalized with the revelation of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The Quran contains many verses that address the principles of Awrah and modesty. Allah (SWT) says,

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments except what normally appears. Let them draw their veils over their chests and not reveal their ˹hidden˺ adornments except to their husbands, their fathers, their fathers-in-law, their sons, their stepsons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons or sisters’ sons, their fellow women, those ˹bondwomen˺ in their possession, male attendants with no desire, or children who are still unaware of women’s nakedness. Let them not stomp their feet, drawing attention to their hidden adornments. Turn to Allah Almighty in repentance all together, O  believers, so that you may be successful.” (Surah An-Nur 31)

These verses highlight the importance of Awrah for individuals to guard their private parts and dress modestly in public.

The sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also provide helpful insights into the keeping of Awrah.

Hazrat Aisha (RA) narrated that:

Hazrat Asma (RA), daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), entered upon the Messenger of Allah (SAW) wearing thin clothes. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) turned his attention to her. He said: O Asma’, when a woman reaches the age of menstruation, it does not suit her that she displays her body parts except this and this, and he pointed to his face and hands.

[Sunan Abi Dawud 4104]

Awrah for Men

The Awrah for men in Islam refers to the body parts that must be covered in public. For men, the intimate parts are the area from the navel to the knees. This means that a man must cover this part of his body in all public settings and in front of people who are not his close family (Mahram).

Awrah for Women

The Awrah for women includes the entire body except the face, hands, and feet. The concept of intimate parts for women changes based on the context and the people they are in front of. There are different contexts in which women must observe Awrah:

In Front of Disbelieving Women

When a Muslim woman is in the presence of non-Muslim women, she should cover herself as she would in front of non-Mahram men. This typically includes covering everything except the face, hands, and feet. The reason for this is to maintain modesty and to prevent the spread of any information about her physical appearance to men who are not allowed to see her in that state.

In Front of Muslim Women

In the presence of other Muslim women, a woman can dress more casually while still adhering to modesty guidelines. This means she is permitted to show her head, arms, and legs up to the knees, similar to how she would dress at home in private. However, she should avoid wearing tight or revealing clothing to maintain modesty.

In Front of Mahram Men

Mahram men are those male relatives with whom marriage is permanently forbidden, such as her father, brother, son, uncle, and grandfather. In the presence of Mahram men, a woman is not required to cover herself as strictly as she would in front of non-Mahram men. She can show her hair, face, neck, arms, and feet. This relaxed standard identifies the close familial bond and the low possibility of wrong feelings.

In Front of Non-Mahram Men

Non-Mahram men are those with whom marriage is permissible. In the presence of non-Mahram men, a woman must cover her entire body except for her face, hands, and feet. Some scholars even suggest covering the face and hands as an additional measure of modesty.

Understanding and observing Awrah is important for maintaining modesty and respect in social aspects within the Islamic framework.

Understanding Mahram relationships in Islam is crucial for adhering to modesty and interaction guidelines, for more information about Mahram: Rules, Relationships, and Guidelines for Women.

Awrah in Islamic Schools of Thought

The concept of Awrah in Islam differs slightly among the different madhabs (schools of Islamic jurisprudence). Here’s Awrah based on the four main madhabs:

Hanafi Madhab:

• The Hanafi school generally holds that the face and hands are not considered ‘Awrah and may be visible to non-mahram men.
• They highlight covering the rest of the body with loose clothing that does not reveal the shape of the body.

Maliki Madhab:

• According to the Maliki school, a woman’s ‘Awrah’ includes her entire body except her face and hands.
• There is some relaxation in certain situations, such as during prayer or Hajj, where covering requirements may vary little.

Shafi’i Madhab:

• The Shafi’i school specifies that a woman’s body is ‘Awrah except for her face and hands.
• They highlight modesty in clothing, especially during prayer and in public settings.

Hanbali Madhab:

• The Hanbali school challenges women to cover their entire bodies, including their faces and hands, in front of non-mahram men.
• They highlight the use of loose clothing that conceals the body shape and provide specific details regarding what forms proper attire.

Each Islamic school has its interpretations affected by local customs and cultures. However, these core guidelines reflect what the original scholars of each school generally agreed upon. Modern scholars within each school may interpret these guidelines differently as well.

Relation with Hijab of Awrah

The concept of Awrah is closely related to the practice of wearing the Hijab. Both are integral aspects of Islamic teachings on modesty and privacy. The Hijab, a headscarf worn by many Muslim women, covers parts of the body considered Awrah, fulfilling the religious requirements for modest dress.

The Hijab encourages modesty and reflects religious identity. It covers the hair, neck, and sometimes the face. For more information, visit this blog post: Importance of Hijab for Muslim Women.

Is Female Voice Awrah?

The issue of women’s voices in front of non-Mahram in Islam has been a topic of extensive discussion among Islamic jurists. Awrah refers to the parts of the body considered private and should be covered. Some scholars argue that a woman’s voice is part of her Awrah and should not be heard by men other than her close family. This is because women’s voices can be a source of attraction and fitna (charm, attractiveness, or enchantment) and should thus be kept private.

To learn whether the female voice is Awrah in Islam, click on the link: Is a Woman’s Voice ‘Awrah’?

Conclusion

Understanding and observing Awrah is a fundamental aspect of practicing modesty in Islam. It serves as a guideline for personal conduct and a way to maintain dignity, respect, and privacy in various social interactions. The concept of Awrah and the practice of wearing the Hijab are deeply intertwined, reflecting the values of modesty and obedience to Allah (SWT).

As we guide these discussions, each of us needs to reflect on our practices of modesty. Whether in speech, behavior, or appearance, displaying modesty is not just a matter of external appearance but also of inner character and intention.

Let us strive to develop a community where understanding and practicing Awrah improve our spiritual growth and strengthen our connection with Allah (SWT) and each other.