The ruling on a woman wearing the niqab during 'Umrah!!

Question : The questioner says: I went on 'Umrah with my mother and my grandmother. When we performed the tawaf, I noticed that they were wearing the burqa. I ordered them to take it off and let their head coverings hang down. What is the ruling on this?

Answer : The ruling on this is that when a woman enters the state of ihram, it is not permissible for her to wear the burqa, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said regarding the woman: "The woman does not wear the niqab." Therefore, it is not permissible for her to wear the niqab or the burqa, because the burqa is greater than the niqab. However, if a woman wore the burqa out of ignorance, thinking that there was no harm in it, then she owes nothing. She owes no fidyah (ransom payment) and no kaffarah (expiation), and there is no defect in her 'Umrah because she was ignorant. This is the case with all the prohibitions of ihram, such as shaving the head while ignorant or forgetful, wearing sewn clothing, applying perfume, and so on. If a person does any of these things while ignorant, forgetful, or coerced, then he commits no sin and owes no fidyah for it.