Is the thigh an awrah, and is it permissible to look at it?
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The questioner : Your Eminence, what is the definitive ruling in the Shari'ah, in your view, regarding exposing the thigh and looking at the thigh?
The Shaykh : We hold that the thigh, in itself, is not an awrah, except for the part that corresponds to the major awrah, which is treated as such. As for the part below that, it is not considered an awrah. However, we hold that it is not permissible for a young man to expose his thigh, as that is a great fitnah (trial/temptation). Based on this, we say: Some of our young men who play football must cover the area between the navel and the knee.
The questioner : And looking, O Shaykh?
The Shaykh : As for looking, if we say it is an awrah, then looking at it is forbidden. For example, we say that looking at the thigh of a young man is forbidden because it is a fitnah. But as for a worker who lifts his garment to work and the lower part of his thigh becomes visible, that is not forbidden. However, I do not think anyone would intentionally look at it, as there is no benefit in doing so. Yes, on the right.
The Shaykh : We hold that the thigh, in itself, is not an awrah, except for the part that corresponds to the major awrah, which is treated as such. As for the part below that, it is not considered an awrah. However, we hold that it is not permissible for a young man to expose his thigh, as that is a great fitnah (trial/temptation). Based on this, we say: Some of our young men who play football must cover the area between the navel and the knee.
The questioner : And looking, O Shaykh?
The Shaykh : As for looking, if we say it is an awrah, then looking at it is forbidden. For example, we say that looking at the thigh of a young man is forbidden because it is a fitnah. But as for a worker who lifts his garment to work and the lower part of his thigh becomes visible, that is not forbidden. However, I do not think anyone would intentionally look at it, as there is no benefit in doing so. Yes, on the right.