'Awrah

The part of the body that must be covered, which varies by person and by setting.

Also written · Awrah · Aurah · Awra · Aura · Awrat · Aurat · Avret · Satr · nakedness · private parts · what must be covered · covering the body · modesty

The meaning

What 'Awrah means in Islam

For a man all four schools say from the navel to the knee. For a woman before unrelated men the schools differ: the majority cover everything except the face and hands, some Hanbalis and later Shafi'is include the face, and Hanafis also exempt the feet. Among other women and before mahrams the requirement is much lighter, and in prayer it differs again. It is a rule about dignity in company, not a claim that the body is shameful.

Evidence · Scholars differ · The scholars read this one differently

Read beside it

Words that sit beside it

HijabThe covering a Muslim woman wears in public, most often a headscarf with modest clothing.حِجاب
MahramA relative you may never marry, and before whom the rules of covering are relaxed.مَحْرَم
SalahThe formal Muslim prayer, performed five times a day at set times, facing Makkah.الصَّلاة
FiqhThe human effort to work out Islamic law from its sources, and the rulings that result.الفِقْه