It is Forbidden to Look at Another Person’s Awrah (Private Parts)

Hadith Reference 1:​

It is narrated from Abdur Rahman bin Abi Sa‘id al-Khudri, on the authority of his father (رضي الله عنهما) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
"A man should not look at the Awrah (private parts) of another man, and a woman should not look at the Awrah of another woman. Also, a man should not lie naked under the same cover with another man, nor should a woman lie naked under the same cover with another woman."
(Sahih Muslim: 338)

Hadith Reference 2:​

It is narrated from Bahz bin Hakim, on the authority of his father, from his grandfather (رضي الله عنه) who said:
"I asked, 'O Messenger of Allah, what parts of our body should we cover and from whom?' He (ﷺ) replied, 'Cover your Awrah except from your wife or what your right hand possesses (slave women).' I then asked, 'O Messenger of Allah, what if we are among our own people (friends and relatives)?' He (ﷺ) said, 'If you can manage that no one sees it, then let no one see it.' I asked, 'O Messenger of Allah, what if one of us is alone?' He (ﷺ) said, 'Allah is more deserving of your modesty than the people.'"
(Sunan Abi Dawood: 4017 | Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi: 2919 | Musnad Ahmad: 3/5-4 | Ibn Majah: 1920 | Al-Mustadrak al-Hakim: 6/180)

Hadith Reference 3:​

It is narrated from Abu Darda (رضي الله عنه) who said:
"I was sitting with the Prophet (ﷺ) when Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) came, holding up his garment so that his knees were exposed. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Your companion has had a dispute (which caused him distress).'"
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 3661)

Key Lessons from These Ahadith:​

❶ Islam teaches modesty and the importance of covering one’s Awrah (private parts).

• A man must not look at another man's Awrah, and a woman must not look at another woman's Awrah.
• This prohibition applies to casual settings, sports, changing rooms, and other public or private spaces.

❷ It is prohibited for two men or two women to share a single cloth while being unclothed.

• Young men cannot sleep under the same sheet together, nor can young women.
• Even siblings (brother and sister) should not share a single cover while sleeping.

❸ Spouses (husband and wife) are exempt from this ruling.

• A husband and wife can see each other’s private parts, and there is no restriction between them.

❹ In public restrooms or shared toilets, people should maintain privacy and avoid exposing their Awrah.

• Men should not use urinals where others can see them.
• Women should avoid exposing themselves while using public facilities.

❺ When alone, one should still maintain modesty.

• The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized that Allah deserves our modesty more than people.
• Even in private, one should cover themselves properly, as a sign of respect and piety.

❻ Lifting one's garment above the knees is not sinful but should be avoided unnecessarily.

• The Hadith about Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) indicates that in extreme circumstances (e.g., distress or emergency), lifting one's garment above the knees is not sinful.
• However, in normal situations, modesty should be maintained.

❼ Casual joking and lighthearted conversation are permissible, as long as they remain respectful.

• The Prophet (ﷺ) commented on Abu Bakr’s (رضي الله عنه) state in a humorous yet respectful manner, which shows that Islam allows appropriate social interactions.

Source:
This content is taken from Sheikh Taqi al-Din Abi al-Fath's book "Diya' al-Islam fi Sharh al-Imam bi Ahadith al-Ahkam", translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar.