What is your opinion of those who say that it is necessary for a woman to cover her face and uncover only what she needs for prostration, namely the forehead, eyes, and nose?

The questioner : It has been mentioned in the letter of Mustafa Droush, in which he responded to your eminence regarding the Muslim woman's outer garment, that he said on one of its pages: "It is necessary for a woman to cover her face except in cases of necessity, and this necessity in which a woman must uncover her face does not permit her to expose anything other than what is required during prostration, meaning: the forehead and nose, then the eyes." He said this word for word in his book...?

The Shaykh : My brother, we are not idle to answer every opinion held by a writer, especially when we do not know its standing in knowledge. But we say: the face and hands of a woman are not part of the awrah (the part of the body that must be covered). As for the one who fears fitnah (trial, discord or temptation) for herself, it may become obligatory for her not to leave her house at all. These are incidental matters that are assessed by the one who objects to her or the one she is exposed to. As for saying that she should expose such and such of her face, these are details to which we say to them: produce your proof if you are truthful. The original ruling is that the face and hands are not awrah. But the one who fears fitnah for herself may be required to cover her entire face, even the eyes, and may be required not to leave her house at all, as happens in some countries where women are kidnapped from the streets. These are incidental matters whose answers are given according to their specific circumstances. And peace be upon you.

The questioner : And upon you be peace and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. May Allah reward you with good, O honorable Shaykh.

The Shaykh: And you as well, if Allah wills.