Concerning covering the face by woman

The question:

There is much dispute among us over the issue of covering the face by woman. We agree that it is better to cover it; so we hope that you will clarify the question of covering the face by a woman, could you guide us to a book that deals with this issue, and may Allah bless you?

The answer:

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. Peace and blessing be upon whom Allah sent as a mercy to the Worlds, upon his Family, his Companions and his Brothers till the Day of Resurrection.

It is better for a woman to cover her face, it is a recommended Sunna but not obligatory according to the most preponderant of the scholars and jurists sayings of As-Salaf (the Pious Predecessors) and Al-Khalaf (the successors), you can see the book “Ar-Rad Al-Mufhim `Ala Man Khâlafa Al-`Ulamâ' Wa Tashaddada Wa Ta`assaba Wa Alzama Al-Mar'ata An Tastura Wajhaha Wa Kaffayha Wa Aujaba Wa Lam Yaqna` Bi Qaulihim: Innahu Sunnatun Wa Mustahab” (The convincing response to the one who contradicted the scholars by being fanatical and chauvinistic and obliged that the woman covers her face and hands and was not convinced by their saying that it is a recommendable and desirable act) of the erudite scholar of hadith Muhammad Nâssir Ad-Dîn Al-Albâni رحمه الله. You will find in this book a convincing and detailed answer as regards this question.

Allah is the Source of success to all good. Our last prayer is all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. Peace and blessing be upon our Prophet صلَّى الله عليه وسلَّم, his Family, his Companions and Brothers till the Day of Resurrection.

Algiers, 10 Safar, 1428 H.
Corresponding to: April 28^th, 2007.