𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (414)

Face Coverings Raise Suspicion Question: May Allāh reward you. The questioner asks: What is the ruling on covering the face (talathum) during prayer? Sheikh Uthaymeen raḥimahullāh: Covering the face (talathum) during prayer is disliked (makruh). Talathum refers to a person placing a covering (e.g., ghutra or scarf) over their nose and mouth. This is disliked, and in fact, a person should avoid doing so even outside of prayer, because it can raise suspicion in people's hearts. People may wonder, "Why is he covering his face?"—as it is often assumed that someone veils their face to avoid being recognised. And why would someone not want to be recognised? However, there may be legitimate reasons for wearing a face covering, such as intense cold, having a cold or illness, a foul smell, or other valid causes. In such cases, there is no harm. But without a valid reason, a person should avoid covering the face, so as not to arouse suspicion. As for prayer specifically, it is disliked, because it has been reported that the Prophet ﷺ prohibited it.