What is the ruling on the niqab that has a large opening at the eyes?

The questioner : Well, Shaykh, regarding the niqab, there are face coverings in the markets now consisting of several layers. I have one, Shaykh? Yes, it consists of several layers. There is an opening at the eyes in one layer, and the other layers do not have an opening. Is this considered a niqab or not?

The Shaykh : The niqab is originally lawful. The women in the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to wear the niqab. But due to the women’s expansion in this matter, and the fact that a woman opens a large opening larger than her eyes, we have refrained from issuing a fatwa permitting it, as a precaution against this great issue which women have come to manipulate. They open a wide opening through which the eyes, the cheeks, and the eyebrows are visible. For this reason, we have refrained from issuing a fatwa on it, and we ask Allah for our sisters and daughters to be protected from what angers Him (Mighty and Majestic) and to be guided to repentance.

The questioner : Amen. But, Shaykh.

The Shaykh : In the case of disobedience.

The questioner : This is one where there is a layer, meaning she can put this second piece of cloth from the same covering over this opening, so that the eyes are not visible.

The Shaykh : If the eyes are not visible, there is nothing wrong with it.

The questioner : Well, consider this a niqab, because the niqab is among the prohibitions of ihram. Does she have the right to wear it? Yes.

The Shaykh : Yes, this is a point.

The questioner : She does not have the right.

The Shaykh : To wear it while in the state of ihram.

The questioner : Even if there is a second covering over it that covers the eyes. May Allah reward you with good. Peace be upon you. And upon you be peace.

The Shaykh : Peace be upon you.