Is it permissible for a woman who wears the niqab to stop wearing it, while continuing to cover everything else except her face, due to health or social circumstances?
Scholars differed regarding the obligation for a woman to cover her face in front of non-mahram men if she does not fear fitna (temptation). According to the opinion that it is obligatory, it is not permissible to uncover the face except out of necessity. The lack of prevalence of the niqab is not a justification for removing it; rather, it calls for adherence to it. A Muslim woman should be proud of her religion and not compromise it to please people, as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever seeks the pleasure of Allah though it incurs the wrath of people, Allah will suffice him against the people. And whoever seeks the pleasure of people though it incurs the wrath of Allah, Allah will leave him to the people." However, according to the opinion that it is permissible to uncover the face, there is no harm in removing it, but covering the face is better for complete preservation and perfect modesty.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/106426