Is the claim that the niqab is an innovation correct? And can you clarify something about the ruling on uncovering the face and hands?

The questioner : The claim that the niqab is a religious innovation and not permissible in Islam; what is your response to this statement?

The Shaykh : This statement is a lie. It is not a religious innovation, but rather a recommended practice (sunnah). My book, "The Muslim Woman's Hijab," is explicit in clarifying this.

The questioner : Regarding the issue of uncovering the face and hands, can you comment on it a little?

The Shaykh : No, my dear, this has become the trial (fitnah) of the age.

The questioner : By Allah, the truth is, I have read more than a volume on this explicitly, but one wants to understand the issue.

The Shaykh : There is nothing new; more than three or four treatises have been written on the subject.

The questioner : Okay, can you comment on it?

The Shaykh : I have no free time.

The questioner: All right.

The Shaykh : Oh God.

The questioner : Fine, may Allah reward you with good.

The Shaykh : And you too, my brother.