Uncovering the Face Where Face Covering Is Customary - Jurisprudential Answers - Miscellaneous Issues, Vol 3

Ahmed al-Hasan Response:

It is permissible for a woman to uncover her face. Fatimah al-Zahra, God's blessings be upon her, did not cover her face, nor did the Prophet Muhammad order his wives to cover their faces. Women in the Arabian Peninsula did cover their faces while traveling, but not for a religious reason; rather, because of the heat of the sun. In a country or society where face covering is customary, it is better to cover the face out of regard for the prevailing custom, but it is not obligatory. Do you not see that a woman uncovers her face during Hajj? If covering it were obligatory or recommended, that obligation or recommendation would be even stronger during Hajj, when she is engaged in worship among a large crowd of men. Islam gives women their full role, and face covering is an obstacle to many kinds of work in which a woman can participate, excel, and provide substantial service to society.