The Ruling on Wearing the Niqab in Ihram and Its Expiation

Question:
The questioner asks: What is the ruling on my 'Umrah, or the 'Umrah of a woman who entered ihram wearing pants and a niqab? Is her 'Umrah valid? Is she required to pay an expiation for that?

Answer:
Yes, regarding the niqab, she is required to pay an expiation, unless she was ignorant and did not know until after she had exited the state of ihram. In that case, she is excused due to ignorance, or if she was forgetful and did not realize it until after she had exited the state of ihram, then she owes nothing. However, if she intentionally wore the niqab, this is one of the prohibitions of ihram, and an expiation is due for it. She has the choice between slaughtering a sheep to be distributed to the poor of the Haram, or feeding six poor people from the poor of the Haram, or fasting for three days. This is the expiation for harm, which is the wearing of the niqab by a woman if she did so intentionally. Yes.