Is the niqab obligatory? If so, then how do we understand the hadith of Al-Fadl ibn Abbas and his gaze at the woman who sought a fatwa from the Prophet (peace be upon him) during Hajj, despite the Prophet turning his face away from her?

The niqab that covers the face is obligatory, and the hadith of Al-Fadl ibn Abbas does not indicate the permissibility of uncovering the face. The Prophet (peace be upon him) clearly reprimanded Al-Fadl ibn Abbas, twisted his neck, and turned his face away. This hadith indicates the prohibition of looking at non-mahram women and the obligation of lowering the gaze. In addition, a woman in ihram is compelled to uncover her face, and men are obligated to lower their gazes. What Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) did, by covering her face when men passed by, is more preferable for her.