Are the navel and the knees considered part of the 'awrah?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The navel and the knees themselves are not considered part of the 'awrah. This is the explicit position of Imam Ahmad, and it is held by Malik and Al-Shafi'i. Evidence supporting this includes the Hadith of Abu Ayyub and the narration from Amr bin Shu'ayb, which explicitly state that what is below the navel up to the knee is 'awrah, implying the boundaries themselves are excluded. Furthermore, Abu Hurayrah touched the navel of Al-Hasan, and had it been 'awrah, neither would have done so.
Supporting text
Abu Hanifa holds that the knee is part of the 'awrah, citing a Hadith stating, 'The knee is part of the 'awrah.' However, this Hadith is reported via Abu Al-Junuub, whose transmission is not substantiated by transmitters of authentic Hadith.