The Prophet (ﷺ) said: A man should not look at the private parts of another man, and a woman should not look at the private parts of another woman. A man should not lie with another man without wearing lower garment under one cover; and a woman should not be lie with another woman without wearing lower garment under one cover.
Hadith Text & Context
This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 4018 in the Book of Hot Baths (Kitab Al-Hammam) addresses the Islamic etiquette of modesty and privacy, particularly in communal settings like bathhouses where such situations commonly occur.
Scholarly Commentary
The prohibition against looking at another's private parts ('awrah) applies regardless of gender, as the 'awrah between non-mahram individuals must remain concealed. This ruling preserves modesty and prevents unlawful desires.
The prohibition against lying together under one cover without proper clothing prevents physical contact that could lead to immoral acts. Scholars emphasize this applies even between same-gender individuals to eliminate all paths to potential sin.
Legal Rulings
The majority of scholars consider this prohibition to be emphatic, with some classifying it as makruh tahrimi (near-forbidden) while others consider it haram (prohibited) due to the strong wording and clear intent to prevent immorality.
Exceptions apply for medical necessity, child care, or between mahram relatives where the rules of 'awrah differ. However, even mahrams should maintain appropriate boundaries.
Contemporary Application
This guidance extends to modern contexts including locker rooms, shared accommodations, gym facilities, and any situation where privacy might be compromised. Muslims should arrange living and changing arrangements to comply with these modesty requirements.