𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (413)

Ruling on a Woman Wearing the Niqab During Prayer in the Presence of Women Only Question: What is the ruling on a woman wearing the face veil during prayer in the women's prayer area, when in the presence of women only? Sheikh ’Abdulkareem Al-Khudhair ḥafidhahullāh: "A woman’s entire body is considered ‘awrah (must be covered) during prayer, except for the face. This applies even if she is praying alone; she must cover her entire body with the exception of the face. Some scholars also add the hands to what may be uncovered. Therefore, if she is in the presence of other women, she may uncover her face, and if she also uncovers her hands, then according to the opinion that permits it, there is no objection—inshaAllah—so long as no non-mahram men can see her. However, if she is in the presence of non-mahram men, she must cover her entire body, including the face and hands. Questioner: If her intention in covering her face is to avoid being recognised by other women in the masjid, perhaps to avoid showing off (riyaa’)? Sheikh: Then the matter turns to the issue of prostrating on the seven body parts and whether something that should be uncovered is covered during prayer. A barrier between the one prostrating and the ground can be of two types: 1. detached covering – such as prayer rugs – and in this case, there is no issue. 2. Attached covering – such as the niqab in question, or the head scarf (shemagh) or cloak worn by men – in these cases, the scholars generally deem it disliked (makruh) if the covering is attached to the body. However, this dislike is lifted in the presence of even a minor need. Thus, if there is a valid reason for her to cover her face, then the ruling of dislike is waived. It is common in masjids to see some men placing part of their head coverings—such as the shemagh, cloak, or similar—on the ground and prostrating upon them. This is originally disliked. But if there is a need, such as intense heat, extreme cold, a distracting odour, or similar, then this dislike is removed. And Allāh knows best." Source: https://shkhudheir.com/fatwa/24116 --------------- Related fatwa ⤵️ https://t.me/womensbenefits/1009