Wearing the Niqaab
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Question: I live in a village where the women do not cover their faces (when infront of non-mahram men); And (likewise) I want to uncover my face, so is there any sin upon me if I did that, since wearing the niqaab causes the men to turn and look?

Response: It is not permissible for a woman to go out infront of (non-mahram) men with her face uncovered - covering the face is obligatory. As for the others who criticise her about it, then (her being confronted with) this (behaviour) is from (the reasons) which Allaah multiplies her reward (for wearing the niqaab). She is required to be patient upon her obedience to her Lord, and anticipate the reward (from Him). So she should not let these things concern her, nor worry about (what) the people (say) whilst she is in obedience to Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala).

And with Allaah lies all success.

Shaykh Muhammed ibn 'Abdillaah as-Subayyal - Imaam and Khateeb, al-Masjid al-Haraam
Fataawa wa Rasaa.il Mukhtaarah - Pages 560-561