What Is a Woman’s ‘Awrah?

 What is the definition of the ‘awrah between a woman and her brother? What is the ‘awrah between a girl and her mother or sister?

The 'awrah of a woman in front of her mahrams, such as her father, brother, and nephew, as well as in front of other women, extends from the navel to the knees. She is permitted to uncover all other parts of her body, including those that are considered natural beauties or are frequently beautified with jewelry and makeup. As Allah states in the Quran:

“…And tell the believing women to restrain their looks, and to guard their privates, and not display their beauty except what is apparent thereof, and to draw their coverings over their breasts, and not expose their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, what their right hands possess, their male attendants who have no sexual desires, or children who are not yet aware of the nakedness of women. And they should not strike their feet to draw attention to their hidden beauty. And repent to God, all of you believers, so that you may succeed.” [al-Nur 24:31] 

So, Allah has permitted a woman to show her adornment or beauties in front of her husband and mahrams. 

By "adornment," we mean the beautiful body parts and features that enhance a woman's appearance. These include areas like the hair, upper chest, cleavage, breasts, back, and legs, alongside qualities such as height, skin color, impeccable skin smoothness, curves, the soft curvature provided by fat deposition in specific areas, and the size and form of parts like the breasts, waist, hips, and buttocks.

There is no distinction between a husband and male mahrams regarding the permissibility of seeing a woman's beauties. The difference lies in the fact that a husband is permitted to view her beauties with lust, while a male mahram is not. The area between the navel and the knees, which includes the genitalia, is exclusively reserved for the husband; even other women are not permitted to see it.

Al-Qurtubi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 

“Allah mentioned husbands first, then He mentioned mahrams, and described them all as equal with regard to showing the adornment. But they may differ according to what is in their hearts. There is no doubt that for a woman to uncover in front of her father or brother is more safe than to uncover in front of her husband’s son. The extent of what she may show may differ, so she may show to her father that which it is not permissible for her to show to her husband’s son.”