Hadith Reference 1:
It is narrated from Abdullah ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“The thigh is part of the Awrah (private area that must be covered).”
(Musnad Imam Ahmad: 1/275 | Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi: 2796 | Ma‘ani al-Athar: 1/474 | Sunan al-Bayhaqi: 2/228 | Sahih al-Bukhari: 570/1)
Hadith Reference 2:
It is narrated from Anas (رضي الله عنه) that:
“The Prophet’s (ﷺ) thigh became exposed when he was riding a horse swiftly in the alleys of Khaybar.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 371 | Sahih Muslim: 1365)
Key Lessons from These Ahadith:
❶ The thighs are part of the Awrah (private area) and must be covered.
- Exposing the thighs intentionally is impermissible in Islam.
❷ Wearing clothing that exposes the thighs is not allowed.
- Certain sportswear, such as tight shorts worn by athletes or wrestlers, that expose the thighs is improper and shameful.
- If engaging in sports, one should wear modest attire that covers from the navel to the knees.
- Women are required to observe even stricter modesty and should never expose their arms or thighs in public.
❸ In cases of necessity, exposing the thighs is excusable.
- If someone has a wound or injury, it is permissible to uncover the area for treatment.
- Similarly, if clothing accidentally lifts (e.g., while mounting a horse, as happened with the Prophet ﷺ), it is not sinful as long as it is not intentional.
❹ Keeping and riding horses is permissible in Islam.
- Horses were commonly used for transportation and battle during the time of the Prophet (ﷺ).
❺ One should pass through streets and alleys with caution and respect.
- When riding a horse (or driving a vehicle), one should be mindful of pedestrians and residents.
- Rushing through streets carelessly can harm children and disturb sleeping residents.
- Islam emphasizes consideration for others in public spaces.
📖 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.
