Should I correct an erroneous shar‘i (Islamic legal) information that I previously disseminated, stating that the navel and knee are not part of the awrah (private parts that must be covered), after discovering that the correct view is that the awrah is what is between them?
One must be meticulous in matters of Sharia rulings, especially disputed issues. A man's awrah (private parts) is what is between the navel and the knee. The opinion that the navel and the knee are part of the awrah is a matter of dispute, and the more preponderant view is that the awrah is what is between them. Al-Shawkani mentioned in Nayl al-Awtar that the knee is not considered awrah according to Al-Shafi'i, while others believe it is. And the navel is not awrah according to those who consider the knee awrah. The proof that the navel and the knee are not part of the awrah is that it is obligatory to remain on the original premise and adhere to innocence until there is a compelling reason for a shift in ruling.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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