This excerpt is taken from the book "500 Questions and Answers for Women" based on the Fatwas of the Scholars of the Haramain, translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
Bahz ibn Ḥakīm narrated from his father, who narrated from his grandfather, that he said:
"O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! From whom should we conceal our private parts, and to whom can they be exposed?"
The Prophet ﷺ said:
«احفظ عورتك إلا من زوجتك أو ما ملكت يمينك»
"Protect your private parts except from your wife and those whom your right hand possesses."
He then asked: "What about when people are gathered together?"
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
«إن استطعت أن لا يرينها أحد فلا يرينها»
"If you can ensure that no one sees your private part, then do not let anyone see it."
He further asked: "What if one of us is alone?"
The Prophet ﷺ said:
«فالله أحق أن يستحيا منه» [حسن۔ سنن أبى داود، رقم الحديث 14017]
"Allah has more right that you be modest before Him."
Hence, the Prophet ﷺ made it clear that even in private, modesty and concealment of the private parts is generally preferable and recommended.
و بالله التوفيق
(And success is from Allah)
— Saudi Fatwa Committee
❀ Question:
Is it permissible for a man to engage in intercourse with his wife while both are completely naked, or is it obligatory for them to cover their bodies?❀ Answer:
It is obligatory for every man and woman to conceal their private parts (ʿawrah) from others, except from one’s spouse or, in the case of ownership, from a female slave and her master.Bahz ibn Ḥakīm narrated from his father, who narrated from his grandfather, that he said:
"O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! From whom should we conceal our private parts, and to whom can they be exposed?"
The Prophet ﷺ said:
«احفظ عورتك إلا من زوجتك أو ما ملكت يمينك»
"Protect your private parts except from your wife and those whom your right hand possesses."
He then asked: "What about when people are gathered together?"
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
«إن استطعت أن لا يرينها أحد فلا يرينها»
"If you can ensure that no one sees your private part, then do not let anyone see it."
He further asked: "What if one of us is alone?"
The Prophet ﷺ said:
«فالله أحق أن يستحيا منه» [حسن۔ سنن أبى داود، رقم الحديث 14017]
"Allah has more right that you be modest before Him."
Hence, the Prophet ﷺ made it clear that even in private, modesty and concealment of the private parts is generally preferable and recommended.
و بالله التوفيق
(And success is from Allah)
— Saudi Fatwa Committee
