What constitutes the 'awrah for a man?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The correct established position within the Madhhab (Hanbali) is that the 'awrah for a man is what is between the navel and the knee. This is the statement of Imam Ahmad, and it is the position of Malik, Al-Shafi'i, Abu Hanifa, and the majority of jurists. This is supported by narrations indicating that the Prophet's (PBUH) thigh was uncovered on occasion without censure, and that he permitted Abu Bakr and Umar to enter while his thigh was uncovered, suggesting it is not 'awrah. Furthermore, it is argued that since the thigh does not emit bodily waste, it should not be considered 'awrah like the lower leg.
Supporting text
There is a dissenting view, narrated by Muhanna from Imam Ahmad, and held by Ibn Abi Dhi'b and Dawud, that the 'awrah consists only of the private parts (Al-Farj and Al-Dabur). This is based on the Hadith of Jarhud, where the Prophet (PBUH) told him to cover his thigh, saying, 'The thigh is part of the 'awrah.' This view is considered more cautious by Al-Bukhari. Other narrations explicitly state that what is below the navel up to the knee is 'awrah, applying equally to a free person and a slave.