Fatwa: Dar al-Ifta Committee
Question:
A woman, during prayer, is required to cover her entire body except for her face and hands. If she is in the company of non-mahram (strange) men during Hajj or while traveling, and she performs congregational prayers with them, should she cover her face and hands during prayer due to the presence of non-mahram men? Similarly, should she cover her face and hands in Masjid al-Haram, or can she keep them uncovered?
Answer:
A free woman is required to cover her entire body. According to the correct opinion among scholars, it is prohibited for her to uncover her face and hands in the presence of non-mahram men, whether she is praying, in the state of ihram, or in normal conditions. Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated:
"The riders used to pass by us while we were with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) in the state of ihram. When they would come close to us, each one of us would lower her jilbab from her head over her face, and when they had passed by, we would uncover our faces."
[Sunan Abi Dawood, Sunan Ibn Majah, and Musnad Ahmad]
If this was the case in the state of ihram, where keeping the face uncovered is generally recommended, then covering it in other circumstances is even more emphasized. This is further supported by Allah's command:
"And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts."
[Surah Al-Ahzab: 53]
This verse indicates that observing hijab is purer for the hearts of both men and women. Therefore, it is obligatory for a woman to cover her face and hands in the presence of non-mahram men, whether she is in prayer, in ihram, or in any other situation.
Question:
A woman, during prayer, is required to cover her entire body except for her face and hands. If she is in the company of non-mahram (strange) men during Hajj or while traveling, and she performs congregational prayers with them, should she cover her face and hands during prayer due to the presence of non-mahram men? Similarly, should she cover her face and hands in Masjid al-Haram, or can she keep them uncovered?
Answer:
A free woman is required to cover her entire body. According to the correct opinion among scholars, it is prohibited for her to uncover her face and hands in the presence of non-mahram men, whether she is praying, in the state of ihram, or in normal conditions. Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated:
"The riders used to pass by us while we were with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) in the state of ihram. When they would come close to us, each one of us would lower her jilbab from her head over her face, and when they had passed by, we would uncover our faces."
[Sunan Abi Dawood, Sunan Ibn Majah, and Musnad Ahmad]
If this was the case in the state of ihram, where keeping the face uncovered is generally recommended, then covering it in other circumstances is even more emphasized. This is further supported by Allah's command:
"And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts."
[Surah Al-Ahzab: 53]
This verse indicates that observing hijab is purer for the hearts of both men and women. Therefore, it is obligatory for a woman to cover her face and hands in the presence of non-mahram men, whether she is in prayer, in ihram, or in any other situation.