Fidyah for Wearing the Niqab During 'Umrah

Question:
The questioner from Riyadh, Umm Turki, says that she performed 'Umrah a month ago and was wearing the niqab during the 'Umrah. It was not out of ignorance on her part, but her husband told her and informed her that there was no objection to wearing the niqab. What is required of her now, O Shaykh?

Answer:
It is not permissible for a woman in ihram to wear the niqab, due to the prohibition of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) regarding it, because she is not to veil her face. Since she wore it while in ihram and was not ignorant of the ruling, but rather this ignorant husband deceived her, she owes a fidyah. She has the choice between slaughtering a sheep in Makkah and distributing it to the poor, or feeding six poor people in Makkah, each poor person receiving one and a half kilograms of food, or fasting for three days. She has the choice between these matters. Yes. May Allah reward you and bless you.