The permissibility of showing thighs is nuanced in Islam and depends on the context and who is doing the showing. According to the provided reference, it is not permissible for a man to pray with his thighs uncovered, and this applies regardless of whether the thighs are considered part of the 'awrah (the parts of the body that must be covered). Furthermore, it is not permissible to circumambulate the Ka'bah (tawaaf) while naked, highlighting the importance of modesty in worship.
Detailed Breakdown
Here's a more detailed look at the considerations:
For Men:
- During Prayer: Uncovering the thighs is not allowed during prayer, according to the reference. This ruling is in place to ensure modesty and proper etiquette in this sacred act.
- In General: The reference implies that even outside of prayer, showing thighs, especially for young men, can be problematic if it causes temptation. While not explicitly stating it’s haram in all situations outside prayer, this strongly suggests caution.
- Specific Scenarios:
- Circumambulating the Ka'bah naked is explicitly prohibited.
For Women:
- The provided reference doesn't directly address the permissibility of women showing their thighs. Generally, the 'awrah for women is more encompassing than for men, and thus the discussion is separate and complex. We cannot make a ruling based on this reference alone for women.
Context Matters:
- Temptation: The reference specifies that when uncovering the thighs may lead to temptation, especially in young men, it is not allowed. The intention and the potential impact on others is important to consider.
- Modesty: The overriding principle in Islamic rulings is modesty. Actions that compromise this value should be avoided.
Key Takeaways
| Situation | Permissibility | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Men Praying | Not permissible to have thighs uncovered | Maintaining modesty during prayer. |
| Men circumambulating Kaaba | Not permissible to do it naked | Preserving the sanctity and modesty of the sacred ritual |
| Showing thighs, especially young men | Highly discouraged due to temptation | Preventing fitna (temptation and discord) and maintaining modesty |
Conclusion
Based on the provided reference, showing thighs is not permitted for men during prayer, and is strongly discouraged outside of prayer if it can cause temptation or violate modesty. The specific ruling regarding women's thighs requires separate consideration. The overriding principle in Islam is modesty.
