Given that deficiency, shortcoming, and fault are part of man’s very nature, a Muslim is obliged to conceal his brother’s ʿawrah and not publicize it except when necessity demands. Should a genuine need arise, disclosure becomes unavoidable, yet in the absence of such a need the better and more virtuous course is to cover his brother’s ʿawrah. Man, after all, is human: he may slip because of desire—that is, an evil intention—or because of a doubtful matter in which the truth is confused for him, so he speaks or acts upon falsehood. The believer, therefore, is commanded to shield his brother’s ʿawrah.

Suppose you encounter a man who is lying and cheating in buying and selling; do not broadcast this among the people. Rather, advise him privately and keep the matter concealed. If Allah grants him success, guiding him to abandon what he was doing, that is the desired outcome. If he refuses, you must then inform others so that they will not be deceived by him.

Again, imagine you find someone afflicted with gazing at women, failing to lower his gaze. Conceal the matter, counsel him, and explain that this is one of Satan’s arrows, for the glance—Allah’s refuge is sought—is an arrow shot by Satan into the servant’s heart. If he possesses spiritual immunity, he will seek refuge in Allah from that arrow. If he lacks such protection, the arrow will strike him and gradually lead him to outright indecency and evil—Allah’s refuge is sought—and the punishment will be all the more severe.

So long as concealment is possible and exposing your brother’s ʿawrah brings no overriding benefit or compelling necessity, hide it and do not disgrace him.

The author (may Allah have mercy on him) then cites the words of Allah the Exalted: “Indeed, those who love that indecency should spread among the believers will have a painful punishment in this world and in the Hereafter” (Qur’an 24:19).