What parts of a Mahram woman may a man look at?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Marriage
Primary text
A man is permitted to look at that which usually appears on a close female relative (Mahram), such as the neck, head, hands, and feet. This allowance is supported by the general command in the Quran concerning the prohibition of displaying adornments, specifically Quran 24:31. Furthermore, the necessity of looking at generally exposed areas is inferred from the narration of Sahlah bint Suhayl, whose acceptance of fosterage with Salim meant that Salim could see her as he would his foster-mother, implying he saw her customarily exposed parts, as evidenced by poetry describing one whose clothes reveal the limbs and hair when she is at ease.
Supporting text
That which is usually concealed, such as the chest and the back, is prohibited from being viewed. Imam Ahmad expressed distaste for a man looking at the lower leg or chest of his mother or sister, especially with desire. Al-Hasan, Ash-Sha'bi, and Ad-Dahhak forbade looking at the hair of Mahram women, with Ad-Dahhak even commanding his aged mother to cover her hair.