What parts of a female slave's body constitute her 'Awrah (intimate parts) during prayer?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
There is a difference of opinion among the scholars concerning the 'Awrah of a female slave beyond her head. According to Ibn Hamid, her 'Awrah is the same as that of a man. Al-Qadi, in Al-Mujarrad, stated that if the area between the navel and the knee is uncovered during prayer, the prayer is invalid, but if anything else is uncovered, the prayer is valid. In Al-Jamia, Al-Qadi defined the 'Awrah of the female slave as everything except the head, the hands up to the elbows, and the feet up to the knees. This view is supported by a narration from Ahmad stating it is permissible for a man to examine a female slave being considered for purchase by looking above the garment, revealing the arms and lower legs. The reasoning is that these areas are customarily revealed during service and inspection for purchase, thus not constituting 'Awrah like the head, whereas other areas are not customarily revealed, nor is there a need to uncover them.
Supporting text
The statement of Abu Musa on the pulpit indicates that looking at anything above the knee or below the navel during the inspection for purchase is reprehensible. Furthermore, a Hadith narrated by Al-Daraqutni from Amr ibn Shu'ayb, from his father, from his grandfather, states that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said regarding a man marrying off his male or female slave: 'He should not look at any of his 'Awrah,' clarifying that what is from the navel to the knee is 'Awrah for the female slave. It is also argued that what is not 'Awrah for the head is not 'Awrah for the chest, similar to a free man.