What is to be covered first when clothing is insufficient to cover all of the private parts (awrah)?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
If one only finds enough clothing to cover part of the awrah, the two private parts (the front and back passages) must be covered because they are the most indecent areas, and covering them is more emphasized. Their covering as part of the awrah is undisputed. If only enough material exists to cover one of them, one may choose whichever one to cover. The stronger opinion mandates covering the private parts, as they are agreed upon as the most indecent parts of the awrah.
Supporting text
It is debated which one is to be covered first: the rear passage because it is more indecent, especially during bowing (ruku) and prostration (sujud), or the front passage because it faces the Qibla, while the rear passage is covered by the buttocks.