What Is the Definition of Awrah in Salah According to the Four Madhhabs, and When Does Uncovering It Invalidate the Prayer?
Question
What is the awrah according to the four madhhabs, and when does uncovering the awrah invalidate the salah?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
- The Shar‘i Context
Covering the awrah is one of the essential conditions (shurut) for the validity of salah. Allah says:
“O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid.” (Surat al A‘raf 7:31)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also instructed that salah must be performed with proper covering, as it reflects dignity and humility before Allah.
- Definition of Awrah According to the Four Madhhabs
All four madhhabs — Hanafi, Maliki, Shafii, and Hanbali — agree on the main boundaries of awrah in salah:
For men: The awrah is the area between the navel and the knees.
For women: The awrah in salah is the entire body except the face and hands.
Hanafi: The feet are not awrah in salah.
Maliki, Shafii, Hanbali: The feet are part of the awrah and must be covered in salah.
So the core definition is consistent; the primary difference is that the Hanafi madhhab does not regard the feet as awrah in salah, while the other three do.
- When Does Uncovering the Awrah Invalidate the Salah?
The four madhhabs are aligned on the general ruling:
If the awrah is exposed intentionally: The salah becomes invalid immediately.
If exposed unintentionally:
If covered immediately, and the exposure is momentary, the salah remains valid.
If left uncovered for a noticeable time or a significant portion is exposed, the salah becomes invalid.
The Hanafi madhhab adds a detail: if roughly a quarter of a limb that must be covered is exposed long enough to perform one rukn, the prayer is invalid. The other madhhabs use similar reasoning without specifying an exact measurement.
- Practical Guidance
Men should ensure their clothing does not rise during ruku or sujud, exposing the thigh.
Women should secure sleeves, scarves, and hems so that no part of the awrah, including the feet according to Maliki, Shafii, and Hanbali, is exposed during salah.
If a small area becomes exposed briefly and is covered immediately, the salah continues.
If exposure is intentional or prolonged, the salah must be repeated.
Final Ruling:
The awrah in salah is from the navel to the knees for men, and the entire body except the face and hands for women, with the Hanafi madhhab not counting the feet as awrah, while the Maliki, Shafii, and Hanbali madhhabs require the feet to be covered. Uncovering the awrah intentionally or for a prolonged period invalidates the prayer, while accidental and momentary exposure that is corrected immediately is excused.
And Allah knows best.