Uncovering the thighs when crossing water

Question

When one has to cross water and the water is above the knees, is it permissible to cross the water in this way — lifting the waist-wrap up to the thighs and uncovering the knees and thighs — or not?

Answer

From the navel to the knees is ʿawra; it is not permissible to uncover this part of the body in front of anyone, neither in the prayer nor outside the prayer. In this ruling all men — whether scholars or not — are the same. Whoever uncovers the knees should be stopped gently, and whoever uncovers the thigh should be stopped firmly.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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