Awrah-Awrah In Islam

Verily, every religion has a character and the character of Islam is modesty.” Sunan Ibn Majah 4182. This Hadith highlights that Islam is a holistic religion and upholds modesty in every aspect of life. The prohibition of disclosing Awrah is the first step toward modesty in Islam. Our religion has comprehensive commands on a man's Awrah and the Awrah of a woman. Muslim scholars and interpreters have commented differently on this subject. We will highlight Awrah meaning, its relevance with the genders, and its importance in the Quran and Sunnah in this blog.

Awrah Meaning 

Awrah (عورة) is an Arabic word that means disgrace or humiliation. It is defined as the damage and deficiencies that must be protected against being exposed to avoid embarrassment or humiliation. Awrah meaning in Islamic Sharia refers to covering or protecting certain parts of the human body (male and female) from the sight of others.

Awrah In Islam

Islam is the complete code of life. All the guidelines of life are specified by Allah and His Messenger Muhammad SAW. Awrah in Islam holds great significance and the Holy Quran addresses this concept in many verses. Islamic scholars have interpreted aurah in different ways. 

“O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness - that is best. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember.” (7:26)

The Messenger of Allah (PbuH) said: 

'A man is not to look at the 'Awrah of a man, and a woman is not to look at the 'Awrah of a woman. A man is not to be alone with a man under one garment, and a woman is not to be alone with a woman under one garment.' (Jami at-Tirmidhi 2793)

Awrah Of A Man

Islam explicitly mentions the awrah of a man. Muslim interpreters differ on this subject matter but agree on the fact that a man's awrah is from the navel to the knee. It means the body part of men from the navel to the knee should be covered and the covering cloth should not be thin. 

Man's Awrah in Salah(Prayer)

Covering of Aurah is one of the requirements of prayer (salah). Allah says in the holy Quran. Although man’s awrah is from the navel to the knee, however, there are certain conditions for salah (offering prayer). Allah says in the Holy Quran;

“O Children of Adam! Take your adornment (by wearing your clean clothes), while praying.”

( 7:31)

The adornment in this verse means wearing clothes or covering the body to avoid immodesty. So, it means that the body should be covered while praying.

Hazrat Abu Huraira R.A. narrates a Hadith of the Holy Prophet SAW that He said;

"None of you should offer prayer in a single garment that does not cover the shoulders." Muslim: 516

Women's Awrah

Women are more respected in Islam and the modesty of women has highly been encouraged. In Islam, the women's Awrah is her entire body except her face, hands, and feet. Allah says in the Holy Quran;

“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 in repentance all together, O  believers, so that you may be successful’’ (24:31)

Awrah Of a Woman In Front of Maharim

It is important for Muslim woman to cover their entire body. However, there is an exception in the awrah of a woman in front of Maharim-blood relatives or those with whom marriage is prohibited under any condition. Women can expose some of the Zeenah (adornment) such as face, hand, and hair in front of their father, brother, husband, and grandfathers. 

Awrah Of Muslim Female In Front Of Non-Muharim

Satter of a Muslim female in front of non-Muharram is her entire body. Non-muharim refers to those males who are not blood relatives and marriage with them is not unlawful.

Ayah In Quran About Hijab

Islam strongly emphasizes the concept of decency and modesty. There are many ayat about hijab in the holy Quran. One Ayah in Quran about Hijab is mentioned in surah Ahzab ayah 59, Allah commands. 

O Prophet! Ask your wives, daughters, and believing women to draw their cloaks over their bodies. In this way, it is more likely that they will be recognized ˹as virtuous˺ and not be harassed. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (33:59)

This verse of the Holy Quran clearly commands the hiding of the face, instructing women to observe the Hijab in such a manner that they should hide their face by bringing the sheet (cloth) from over the head to hang on and conceal the face.

In another verse of the Quran Allah says;

“O children of Adam! We have provided for you clothing to cover your nakedness and as an adornment. However, the best clothing is righteousness. This is one of Allah’s bounties, so perhaps you will be mindful” (7:26)

Importance of Hijab In Islam

The modest religion of Islam encourages believers to observe modesty in all aspects of life, highlighting the importance of hijab in Islam. The hijab has not only cultural importance but also a religious obligation. Allah emphasizes on hijab in the Quran. It is a sign of recognition of Muslim women and an increase in modesty. It upholds the respect and security of women, protecting them from any harm from toxic men. The hijab is the pride of Islam and women who wear the hijab feel comfortable and confident. Wearing the hijab serves as a way to get the pleasure of Allah and to uphold Islam's code of modesty.

Benefits of Hijab

Islam has provided a significant way for the protection of women among them is wearing Hijab. It has numerous benefits. Let; 's look at the benefits of wearing a Hijab.

Expression of Faith

Wearing a hijab is a profound way of expressing faith and devotion toward Allah and Islam. A hijabi woman expresses her commitment to Islam and its teachings. It not only makes them distinct but also encourages them to practice their faith overtly.

Fosters Self-Respect

Islam encourages self-respect and emphasizes believers to promote self-respect. The Quran says; 

            “Indeed, We created humans in the best form” (95:4)

This verse of the Holy Quran categorizes humans as the best form the creation. Every best thing is always kept protected. So, wearing a hijab elevates a sense of self-respect.

Fortifies Unity

Community harmony is the core objective of Islam. Muslim with hijab consider themselves members of a larger community. This act fosters a sense of support, friendship, and sisterhood among believers, promoting community strength and unity.

Boasts Confidence

Women in hijab can present themselves to the world in a better and more modest way. The majority of women in other communities feel uncomfortable when dealing with different people, while a hijab girl can confidently encounter every situation. 

Conclusion 

Awrah refers to the parts of the body, which must be hidden or covered from view. Islam commands both men and women to cover their private parts of the body and promises divine rewards for those who uphold Allah’s commands. It is obligatory for Muslims to observe proper dress codes and avoid immodesty.