The viewpoints of the different schools of law have varied regarding this issue, with some emphasizing strictness and others emphasizing ease:
The first opinion: The opinion of our Hanafi scholars is that the ‘awrah of a woman in the presence of her male mahrams is what is in-between the navel and the knees, and it also includes the visible part of the stomach and the corresponding area on the back.
According to this view, the male mahram, whether it is a father, brother, or son, can see her head, hair, neck, chest, breasts, hands, and feet. This is applicable as long as there is no desire or temptation involved.
The second opinion: This is the opinion of the Maliki School, which states that the entire body of a woman is considered ‘awrah in front of her male mahrams, except for the face, neck, and the limbs of the arms and legs.
According to this view, it is prohibited for the male mahram to see the chest, breasts, back, stomach, legs, and thighs, in addition to the areas of significant ‘awrah.
The third opinion: This is the opinion of the Shafi’i school, which states that the ‘awrah of a woman in front of her male mahrams is what is in-between the navel and the knees only, and it is similar to the opinion of the Hanafi scholars.
The fourth opinion: This is the opinion of the Hanbali school, which states that what is permissible for a woman to reveal in front of her male mahrams is what is customarily visible in her normal interactions. For example, her feet, some parts of her legs, head, and hands might be visible, while she would conceal her chest, stomach, and areas of significant ‘awrah.
Based on this, we can say that the four main schools of thought have agreed upon a common boundary, which is from the navel to the knees, while they have differences regarding other areas. This is what we can provide as a religious ruling, God willing, with the condition of avoiding temptation. However, in the presence of temptation, the matter is assessed accordingly.
And Allah knows best.
Fatwa by Dr. Khālid Naṣr