I request clarification on the manner of hijab, and whether covering the face and hands is obligatory or not, because I see many people saying that it is not obligatory and they raise discussion about this?

The questioner : I ask the honorable scholars to clarify for us the manner of hijab? Is covering the face and hands obligatory or not? Because I see many people saying: that it is not obligatory, and they raise discussion about this?

The Shaykh : Yes, hijab is that the woman covers everything whose exposure is a cause of fitnah (trial, discord or temptation), and the face is included, for it is the greatest cause of fitnah. Therefore, the stronger opinion (rajih) among the opinions of the scholars is that it is obligatory for the woman to cover her face from men who are not her mahram (a relative one may not marry). The evidence for this is found in the books of the scholars who discussed this matter. There is no doubt that this opinion, which is indicated by the Book and the Sunnah, is the appropriate one, especially in our time, where evil has increased and fitnah has become great. There is no way to avoid zina (unlawful sexual intercourse) and its causes except by covering the face. Accordingly, the first thing included in the Shari'ah hijab, in our view, is covering the face, and knowledge is with Allah the Exalted.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.