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Why Not Show Private Parts in Front of Other Women?

17 July, 2016
Q Why are there differences of opinion regarding the woman’s awrah (private parts that need to be covered) in front of other women; this scholar says it's this area only and that scholar says it's that area too...?

Answer

Salam Dear Sister,

Thank you for your question and for contacting Ask About Islam.

We have entertained some thoughts on this subject in this previous answer.

Now with regards to your question, let’s look at this hadith:

It was narrated that An-Nu’man bin Bashir said:

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“I heard the Messenger of Allah [SAW] say: ‘That which is lawful is clear and that which is unlawful is clear, but between them there are matters which are doubtful.'” And sometimes he said: “But between them are matters that are not as clear. I will describe the likeness of that for you.

Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, has a sanctuary and the sanctuary of Allah is that which He has forbidden. Whoever grazes around the sanctuary will soon transgress into the sanctuary. And whoever approaches a matter that is unclear, he will soon wind up in the sanctuary.” And sometimes he said: “He will soon transgress, and indeed whoever mixes in doubt, he will soon cross into it.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i]

Take the example in the hadith of The King and his sanctuary place. If you are a king and you have a castle, you may consider that the bedroom where the king sleeps at night is the most important part and the guards should stand at the door of that bedroom only.

Another king would think that this is not enough! The entire castle needs to be protected; guards should stand outside the castle as well. Another would think that the garden of the castle too should be included in the protection with guards. And another more cautious one would say we shall guard the entire neighborhood, no one should come near the entire neighborhood, it’s better to be safe, guarded and protected.

With regards to the private area of a women that mustn’t be revealed in front of other women, the absolute minimum area is the belly button to knees. That’s the absolute least one should work on protecting very carefully and strictly. Those who are more cautious and more on the side of taqwa (God-consciousness) and safety would guard even further and even further.

Of course, the more taqwa the better. The more cautiousness, the more one would guarantee not falling in error at all, and of course the more safe it is. But if one can’t do that, then at least the bear minimum area should be 100% adequately and properly protected and no one shall come near it.

And essentially this is all part of dignity, honor, protection and mercy.

Note how in the Noble Quran when it comes to the word ‘furuuj’ (private parts) Allah always uses the word hifz  which is to guard. Same word used for security; hifzul Amn, guarding the security.

So as a king, how do you guard that which is in your protection? Do you only add guards in one area and leave everything else open, or do you take the route of that cautious king who secured and guarded the entire neighborhood… Which king is smarter in protecting the precious assets that he has?

I hope this helps answer your question.

Salam and please keep in touch.

About Dina Mohamed Basiony
Dina Mohamed Basiony is a writer based in Cairo, Egypt. She specializes in Islam and spirituality. Dina holds an MA and BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from the American University in Cairo.