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The fact that a man’s ‘awrah is from the navel to the knee does not mean that it is permissible for a man to show his chest in front of other men, let alone in front of women. Although the chest is not part of the ‘awrah, uncovering it is still an action that is not appropriate for a man and is one of the actions of the immoral.
It should be noted that if doing something permissible will result in some evil, then it is not allowed, because of the evil to which it leads. If a man’s uncovering his chest will be a cause of fitnah or will open the door to evil, then it should be disallowed for that reason.
Clothing is prescribed for a number of reasons, such as: it is in accordance with the fitrah (sound natural inclinations of man); adornment; protection from heat and cold; and concealing the ‘awrah from the gaze of others.
When Allaah reminded His slaves of the blessing He bestowed upon them by creating clothing that covers them, He also drew attention to another kind of clothing which is better than that, namely the clothing or raiment of taqwa (piety, righteousness).
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts) and as an adornment; and the raiment of righteousness, that is better. Such are among the Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allaah, that they may remember (i.e. leave falsehood and follow truth).
http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/49836
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