Is it permissible for a man to enter a public bathhouse (Hammam)?
Chapter on Ghusl from Janabah (Major Impurity)
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
Entering a public bathhouse is permissible for a man if he can guard against looking at others' private parts (awrah) and prevent others from looking at his own. This is supported by the practice of Ibn Abbas entering a Hammam in Juhfah, and similar reports concerning the Prophet, peace be upon him, and Khalid ibn al-Walid. Al-Hasan and Ibn Sirin also permitted entering the bathhouse. The prohibition against exposure is derived from the Hadith where the Prophet, peace be upon him, instructed, "Guard your private parts, except from your spouse or what your right hand possesses." Furthermore, he stated, "A man should not look at the private part of another man, nor should a woman look at the private part of another woman." Another decree was, "Do not walk naked."
Supporting text
Entering the bathhouse is disliked (makruh) if the person fears they cannot safeguard against forbidden actions, such as looking at or exposing the private parts. Imam Ahmad stipulated that entry is only permissible if one is certain that everyone inside wears a lower garment (izar); otherwise, entry is forbidden. Sa'id ibn Jubayr declared entering the bathhouse without an izar as unlawful (haram).