What is the Shari'ah alternative to the niqab for a woman in ihram?

Question:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh. This questioner asks: What is the ruling on wearing the niqab for a woman in ihram? And what is the expiation if this woman needs this niqab?

Answer:
She does not need the niqab; the shaylah (head covering) or a garment is sufficient for it. She has no need for this, no need for the niqab. This is how the female Companions used to do it, as 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated. She has no need for the niqab. If she deliberately wears it while knowing that it is not permissible, she owes a fidyah (ransom payment). But if she is ignorant or forgetful, she owes nothing. However, she must remove it as soon as she learns or remembers; she removes it and does not continue wearing it. If she continues wearing it after being reminded, she owes a fidyah.