The Shari’ah Veil: Women’s Obligation to Cover the Face in Islam

The Obligation of Covering a Woman’s Face in Islam: Understanding the Niqab

The Shari’ah Veil of a Woman’s Face

At present, we are living in an era of extreme trials, among which the greatest trial is related to women. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had already informed us about this, as he said:

“After me I have not left any trial more severe to men than women.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 5096m

When the issue of women is such a severe and tempting trial for men, we must exercise extreme caution in this matter. However, when we observe society, it seems that, like non-Muslims, Muslim women too are indulging in immodesty, shamelessness, sexual anarchy, libertinism, and mingling freely, becoming ornaments of gatherings and marketplaces. It appears as though the distinction between Muslim and non-Muslim women has faded. May Allah protect and preserve us.

A woman is meant to remain entirely covered from head to toe. She should only leave her home when necessary, and even then, she must step out in a fully modest and simple attire. Satan is always on the lookout for opportunities, and when a woman steps outside her home, Satan gets ample chance to spread mischief. Consider this statement of the Prophet ﷺ: 

“The woman is Awrah, so when she goes out, the Shaitan seeks to tempt her.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 1173)

Keeping this trial in mind, it is essential to understand the basic issue: in Islam, it is obligatory for women to cover their faces. This is not a mere recommended act that a woman may choose to do or not do. Rather, every adult Muslim woman is obligated to veil her entire body, including her face, from non-mahram (strange) men.

During the time of the Prophet ﷺ, women generally used to cover themselves with a jilbab when stepping out of their homes. A jilbab refers to a large outer garment that covers a woman from head to toe. Umm ‘Atiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ instructed women to attend the Eid gatherings. Regarding this, the following is mentioned in the hadith:

A woman asked, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) ‘ What about one who does not have a veil?” He said, “Let her share the veil of her companion.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 351)

This jilbab is also mentioned in the incident of Ifk (the slander against Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her). A portion of this incident is as follows: Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that during a military expedition, her necklace got lost, and the caravan left while she was resting at her camp. Then, Safwan ibn al-Mu’attal (may Allah be pleased with him) came, and she said:

“He saw the silhouette of a person sleeping, and when he came closer and saw me, he recognized me because he had seen me before the command of hijab. Upon recognizing me, he said, ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un,’ and his voice woke me up. Immediately, I covered my face with my jilbab. By Allah, we did not exchange a single word except for his saying ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 4141)

This narration shows that Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) covered her face with her jilbab so that Safwan (may Allah be pleased with him) could not see her face. This indicates that during the time of the Prophet ﷺ, women would wear jilbab when leaving their homes and would cover their faces to avoid being seen by non-mahram men.

Furthermore, other ahadith indicate that women would also wear veils and gloves when stepping out. This is why the Prophet ﷺ prohibited women in ihram from wearing veils and gloves. He said:

“A woman in ihram should not wear a face veil or gloves.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 1838)

The mention of niqab (face veil) in this hadith is the basis for this detailed discussion. The above paragraphs serve as an introduction to understanding the niqab.

The term niqab (with a kasrah under the letter ن) is derived from the word naqaba, which means “to pierce or make a hole.” The niqab refers to a piece of cloth used by a woman to cover her face, leaving holes for the eyes for visibility. Because of these holes, it is called a niqab.

The niqab is designed to fit the contours of the face and is intended specifically to veil it. This is also referred to as a burqa. The mention of niqab in the hadith about ihram is clear evidence that women used to cover their faces, which is why they would wear a niqab. Otherwise, there would have been no need for a niqab in the first place.

This hadith serves as a refutation of those who deny the obligation of veiling the face.

The niqab is not a large garment like the jilbab, which covers the entire body. Instead, it is a smaller piece of cloth designed specifically to veil the face. It has openings at the level of the eyes, allowing the woman to see.

Nowadays, there is significant negligence and immoderation among Muslim women regarding the niqab. Previously, there were fashionable dresses in the name of the burqa, which provided less covering and caused more fitnah. Now, along with the niqab, we see immoderation and lack of proper modesty. Fashionable niqabs have emerged where girls wear niqabs with bold inscriptions like “Masha Allah” written on them, or with designs such as the kalimah, names, or elaborate patterns. Additionally, there is immoderation in the form of face masks being used as niqabs. These masks, similar to those worn to protect against viruses, fail to fully cover the face. They leave the forehead, the area above the eyes, the cheeks, and parts of the nose visible. Such coverings cannot be considered a proper Islamic niqab.

The characteristics of a proper Sharia-compliant niqab are that it should cover the entire face, including the forehead, cheeks, and nose, leaving only small openings for the eyes necessary for sight. If the openings are large enough to expose parts of the face, it cannot be called a niqab. Similarly, fashionable niqabs with designs, inscriptions, or bold decorations, or those worn with eyeliner and stylish glasses, do not fulfill the requirements of a proper niqab. These are manifestations of following one’s desires. The purpose of hijab in Shariah is to protect the heart and gaze, and to cultivate piety and righteousness. Allah says:

“And when you ask [the Prophet’s wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts.”

(Al-Ahzab: 53)

When a woman wears the niqab as a fashion statement or uses it to display beauty, she is afflicted with the disease of following desires. It is crucial to understand that following desires leads to disastrous consequences. The Quran emphasizes this in multiple places, such as:

“And do not follow your desires, for they will lead you astray from the path of Allah.”

(Sad: 26)

And in another verse:

“Have you (O Muhammad ﷺ) seen him who has taken as his ilah (god) his own desire? Would you then be a Wakil (a disposer of his affairs or a watcher) over him?”

(Al-Furqan: 43)

I am compelled to express my sorrow that the motivation for writing this comes from some women who actively create religious video statements while wearing non-compliant niqabs. These women enthusiastically speak about the lives of the Mothers of the Believers, the female Companions, and pious women, yet they fail to draw lessons from the hijab of these noble figures. It is even more troubling because young girls follow these women, and as a result, countless girls adopt improper niqabs due to their influence.

Regarding women creating videos, the Shariah ruling is clear: they should refrain from making video statements because such actions can lead to fitnah. Women are considered the greatest fitnah in the world, as evidenced by the Prophet’s (ﷺ) statement. Furthermore, a woman wearing an improper niqab in public is less harmful than appearing in a video with the same attire. Videos are permanent, broadcast to thousands or even millions, and allow improper appearances to be viewed repeatedly and closely.

It is deeply concerning to see Muslim women following the trends and fashion of others. What has happened to them? They claim to model themselves after the Mothers of the Believers, but their hijab does not resemble theirs in any way. The names of the Mothers of the Believers are mentioned, yet the hijab is designed according to personal desires. It is important to note that a woman’s face is the most attractive feature for men, which is why it must be covered. Those women who do not cover their faces or who show immodesty under the guise of hijab should reflect on the words of the Prophet (ﷺ):

“The zina of the eyes is looking (at what is unlawful), the zina of the tongue is speaking (what is unlawful), the heart desires and wishes, and the private parts either confirm or deny that.”

(Sahih Bukhari: 6612)

Dear sisters, understand the purpose of hijab and observe it in the proper Islamic manner. This will ensure your safety, earn you rewards, and elevate your status in the Hereafter. Remember, if you adopt the attributes of “kasiyat aariyat” (clothed yet naked), your end will be dreadful. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“The women who would be dressed but appear to be naked, who would be inclined (to evil) and make their husbands incline towards it. Their heads would be like the humps of the bukht camel inclined to one side. They will not enter Paradise and they would not smell its odour whereas its odour would be smelt from such and such distance.”

(Sahih Muslim: 2128)

Therefore, submit your desires to the rulings of Shariah and act upon Islam according to the commands of Allah and His Messenger, not according to your preferences. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“None of you truly believes until his desires are in accordance with what I have brought.”

(Arba’een An-Nawawi: 41, authenticated by An-Nawawi)

✍️ Written by: Maqbool Ahmed Salafi
Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia
✍🏻 English Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail