Is it permissible for a woman to wear the niqab or gloves?

Question : Is it permissible for a woman in ihram to cover her face, wear the niqab, or wear gloves?

Answer : A woman in ihram is not permitted to wear the niqab, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade a woman in ihram from wearing the niqab. She is also not permitted to wear gloves, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade a woman in ihram from wearing gloves, and gloves are the same as hand coverings. As for covering her face, it is better that she not cover it, unless there are non-mahram men around her, in which case she must cover her face. Accordingly, if there are men present, she must cover her face, and there is no harm if the covering touches her face, for that does not matter. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) and the Mothers of the Believers would lower their head coverings over their faces when men passed by them, and when the men had passed, they would uncover their faces. May Allah bless you.