Thus, the madhhab holds that the private parts fall into three categories:

1. The entire body of a free, adult woman is private, except for her face. (1)

2. For a male child from seven to ten years old, only the two private organs are private. (2)

3. In all other cases, the private parts are that which lies between the navel and the knee, as explained previously.

There is also a report from Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy on him, that a man’s private parts are only the two private organs. (302) The apparent meaning of the transmitted report is that it makes no distinction between prayer and looking; thus, this report applies even to prayer, and a man may pray having covered only his two private organs. However, Shaykh al-Islam, may Allah have mercy on him, rejected this and said: “As for prayer, there should be no disagreement that it is obligatory to cover the thighs.” (3) As for looking, that is another matter...

What he mentioned is the preponderant view that must be adopted. This is why, when the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, wore short waist-wraps, they would tie them over their shoulders so that they would not slip down. (4) This indicates that they held that, in prayer, what lies between the navel and the knee must be covered, even if we hold that the thigh is not part of the private parts. What he, may Allah have mercy on him, said is correct. Hence, the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “If it is tight, then wrap it around your waist,” (5) and he said: “Let none of you pray