Question:
I have a question regarding the niqāb face veil in Ḥajj.
Alḥumdulillāh, I am wearing the niqāb and also observing the ḥijāb. Is it necessary to wear the niqāb in Ḥajj or is there any exception? Also if I choose to observe the niqāb during Ḥajj, if the cloth of the niqāb touches my face several times, will I be required to compensate one damm (penalty) or more?
Answer:
Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for your question.
During Ḥajj and ‘Umrah pilgrimage, while in the state of iḥrām, women are not permitted to cover their faces, just as men are not permitted to cover their heads. This is the consensus of the scholars of Islam due to the statements of the Messenger of Allāh (peace and blessings upon him):
“The woman in iḥrām is not to veil her face nor wear gloves” (Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, Musnad Aḥmad, Nasaī, Tirmidhī)
“The iḥrām of women is in [not covering] her face” (Al Dār Al Quṭnī)
Flexibility on the Matter Based on the Opinions of the Four Schools of Jurisprudence
The Ḥanafī and Shāf’īe schools permit women to cover their faces during iḥrām, regardless of whatever the reason may be, provided the veil cloth does not touch the face. This can easily be done by wearing a cap and allowing a piece of cloth to hang over it (see image). (Al Badāi’ Al Ṣanāi’, Al Fiqh Al Islāmīy Wa Adillatuh)
The Ḥanbalī school is of the opinion that she may cover her face occasionally, while in iḥrām, if she is passing by men at a close proximity. There are reports of this practice being carried out by ‘Ᾱyesha (may Allāh be pleased with her) along with other women in the presence of the Prophet (peace be upon him). (See the Sunan of Abū Dāwūd and Al Mughnī)
The Mālikī school allows women to cover their faces when they fear fitnah (corruption or vice), provided the cloth covering the face is not tied. (See Al Sharḥ Al Saghīr)
Penalty for Covering the Face
When a woman covers her face in such a way that the veil touches the face, during iḥrām, a penalty is due upon her. If she covered her face for an entire day, then she is to arrange for a damm (animal to be slaughtered and its meat distributed to the poor). However if she covered her face for less than a day, then she is to give charity 1.75 kilograms of wheat or its value in money. (See Mukhtaṣar Al Qudūrī, Nūr Al Idāḥ & Al Hidāyah)
And Allāh Knows Best