Abu Dawud

Benefits and Issues:
This narration is weak; however, it is correct that, without a valid Shar‘i excuse, uncovering the thigh or looking at someone’s thigh is not permissible.

Benefits and Issues:
➊ The part of the leg above the knee is called the "fakhidh" (thigh). The narration related to this (1460) is weak. That is why there is a difference of opinion among the scholars regarding this: whether it is included in the 'awrah (private parts that must be covered) or not, and whether it is legally permissible or prohibited to look at someone’s thigh.

Imam Bukhari rahimahullah’s inclination appears to be that it is not included in the 'awrah, however, it is preferable to cover it. Regarding this, what Imam Bukhari rahimahullah has stated is as follows: It is narrated from Ibn Abbas, Jarhad, and Muhammad bin Jahsh radi Allahu anhum that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said, “The thigh is 'awrah.” And Anas radi Allahu anhu said that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam uncovered his thigh. The hadith of Anas radi Allahu anhu is stronger in terms of its chain of narration, and acting upon the hadith of Jarhad radi Allahu anhu is an act of precaution, so that one may avoid the difference of opinion among the scholars. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Salat, Chapter: What is mentioned regarding the thigh, before Hadith: 371)

Allamah al-Albani rahimahullah has given preference to the view that the thigh is 'awrah in his book Ahkam al-Jana'iz. Imam Tirmidhi rahimahullah has graded the hadith “Indeed, the thigh is 'awrah” (inna al-fakhidha 'awrah) as hasan (good). (Jami‘ Tirmidhi, Book of Manners, Chapter: What has come regarding the thigh being 'awrah, Hadith: 2795)