Tawaf with woman’s face uncovered

[المهاجرة 50]

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته


Fatwas > Dhul-Qa`dah Fatwas > Tawaf with woman’s face uncovered


The first question of Fatwa no. 4151


Q 1: Is it permissible for women who are performing Hajj or ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) to uncover their faces while they are making Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Ka‘bah in the presence of non-Mahrams (men other than woman’s spouse or unmarriageable relatives)?


A: A woman’s face is part of her ‘Awrah (private parts of the body that must be covered in public) which is impermissible to be uncovered before all non-Mahrams, whether she is performing Tawaf or at other times and whether she is a Muhrim (pilgrim in the ritual state for Hajj and ‘Umrah) or not. If a lady makes Tawaf with her face uncovered, she is considered sinful even though her Tawaf is valid. Regardless, women have to cover their faces with something other than Niqab (face veil) when they are in Ihram (ritual state for Hajj and ‘Umrah).

(Part No. 11; Page No. 194)


Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’
Member Member Deputy Chairman Chairman `Abdullah ibn Qa`ud `Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan `Abdul-Razzaq `Afify `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz