It is not permissible for a woman in ihram to wear the niqab

Question : Shaykh Muhammad, the questioner is with us on the line, inquiring and saying that she entered the state of ihram for Hajj wearing the niqab, and she placed a covering over this niqab, and at times she removes this covering and puts it back on. Is there anything required of her in this?

Answer : Yes, it is not permissible for a woman who has entered the state of ihram to wear the niqab, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) prohibited it, whether there is something covering it or not. So the niqab is forbidden, whether it is visible or covered. If she thought when she did this that it was permissible, then she owes nothing, because she did not intend to commit a sin. But if she knew that it was forbidden—and I do not think she knew it was forbidden and did it—then she has sinned, and according to the scholars, she must fast for three days, or give charity in Makkah of three sa' (a dry measure of about 3 kg) to six poor people, half a sa' for each poor person, or slaughter a sheep in Makkah and distribute it to the poor.