Is it true that Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said it is permissible for a woman to uncover her face? And how does one respond to those who cite this narration as proof?

The strong evidence from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) confirms that covering the face is part of the commanded hijab, and that she used to enjoin and encourage it. This is supported by several narrations, including: the Hadith of the Ifk (Slander), which indicates that the verse of hijab was revealed to command the covering of the face; her statement about the women of the Muhajirun and Ansar after the revelation of the verse: "And let them draw their headcovers over their bosoms," that they tore their muruts (outer garments) and covered themselves with them; and their action during ihram of letting their jilbab (outer cloak) down over their faces when men passed by.

As for what was narrated from her regarding a concession to uncover the face, it is weak in both its chain of transmission (sanad) and its text (matn). For example, the Hadith of Asma bint Abi Bakr, in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) pointed to the face and hands, is mursal (lacking a direct chain of transmission) and very weak. Similarly, what was narrated from Ata' bin Abi Rabah regarding the interpretation of "what appears thereof" as the face and hands is also weak.

As for her statement: "The muhrimah (woman in ihram) may wear whatever clothes she wishes, except a garment touched by wars (saffron-like plant) or saffron, and she should not wear a burqa (face veil) or litham (mouth cover), and she may let the garment down over her face if she wishes," this does not mean an absolute concession to uncover the face. Rather, it clarifies that there is no harm for her to cover her face when necessary, by letting the garment down from over her head, not by wearing a niqab or litham. This is consistent with her actions and the actions of the female companions.