Both forms of exposure are termed “description,” as the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:
“A woman must not describe another woman to her husband so vividly that it is as though he were looking at her.”
Thus one says, “So-and-so describes another person,” and “A garment describes the skin beneath it.” Making such things apparent to hearing or sight is permissible when needed. Indeed, it is recommended if something recommended or obligatory cannot otherwise be accomplished. Examples include the Prophet’s words to Māʿiz, “Did you fuck her?” and his saying:
“If anyone raises the tribal rallying cry of the pre-Islamic era, tell him to bite his father’s member, and do not use euphemisms.”
The point is that indecency encompasses both the reprehensible act itself and exposing that act and the bodily parts involved. Likewise, it encompasses what is indecent even when undertaken through a marriage contract, as Allah Most High says:
“Do not marry women whom your fathers married, except what has already passed. Indeed, it was an indecency, a hateful thing, and an evil way.”
He thus declares this marriage an indecency. It has also been said that this is one of the hidden indecencies. It is therefore clear that indecency encompasses indecent contracts just as it encompasses engaging in indecent sexual acts, for His words,
“Do not marry women whom your fathers married,”
encompass both the marriage contract and intercourse.
His words,
“Whether open or hidden,”
are comprehensive, encompassing many kinds of speech and action. Allah Most High commands that the private parts be guarded without qualification, saying:
“And guard their private parts,”
and:
“And those who guard their private parts, except with their spouses or those whom their right hands possess,”
and the subsequent verses. He also says:
“And the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so.”
Guarding the private parts is like what is expressed in His words, “Those who observe the limits set by Allah.” Guarding them means keeping them from whatever is unlawful.