Source: Ahkam wa Masail in the Light of Qur’an and Hadith, Volume 02❖ Question
Is it permissible to bathe naked while standing, such as under a showerhead, which is common in modern homes? Please clarify to what extent this is allowed and to what extent it is prohibited.❖ Answer
For clarity on this issue, refer to Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Ghusl, Chapter: One Who Bathes Naked Alone… etc. — In shā’ Allāh, you will find contentment with the ruling.Narration:
Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"The children of Israel used to bathe naked, looking at each other. But Musa (عليه السلام) used to bathe alone in seclusion. They said: ‘By Allah! Nothing prevents Musa from bathing with us except that he has a defect in his testicles.’ One day Musa went to bathe and placed his clothes on a stone. The stone fled with his clothes, and Musa chased after it, saying, ‘O stone! Give me my clothes! O stone! Give me my clothes!’ Until the Children of Israel saw him naked and said: ‘By Allah! There is no defect in Musa.’ Musa then took his clothes and began striking the stone."
Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) added:
"By Allah! There are marks left on the stone from his strikes — six or seven."
The Prophet (ﷺ) also said:
"Once Ayyub (عليه السلام) was bathing naked, and golden locusts began falling upon him. He began collecting them in his garment. His Lord called to him, 'O Ayyub! Did I not make you independent of what you see?' He replied, 'Yes, by Your Glory! But I cannot dispense with Your blessing!'"
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Ghusl, Chapter: Bathing Naked Alone in Seclusion, and that Covering is Better)
✿ Key Point:
Bathing while naked in seclusion — such as in private bathrooms — is permissible. However, it is preferable and more virtuous to cover oneself as much as possible, even in such situations. This upholds modesty and follows the example of the Prophets.
