What is the ruling regarding viewing the 'awrah (private parts) of a woman by a discerning male child?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Marriage
Primary text
There are two narrations concerning the discerning male child. The first narration holds that his ruling is the same as that of a non-Mahram man regarding permissible viewing. The second narration permits viewing what is above the navel and below the knee. The latter is supported by the interpretation of verses from Surah An-Nur (Quran 24:58-59), which differentiate between those who have not reached puberty and those who have, specifically requiring permission from those who have reached puberty.
Supporting text
The first narration is supported by the verse, "or the children who have not yet discovered the private parts of women" (Quran 24:31). Furthermore, it is stated that a woman must cover her head from a male child when he reaches ten years of age, according to the statement attributed to Abu Abdullah.