Is it permissible for a woman who wears the niqab to remove it—given that it has caused her eyesight to weaken—in order to preserve what remains of her vision; acting upon the legal maxims: "Ward off harm before seeking benefit," and "Necessities overrule prohibitions"? And what is the religious ruling if these maxims do not apply to her situation?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Covering the face is obligatory according to the more preponderant opinion among scholars. If a trustworthy doctor determines that the niqab opening harms vision, it is permissible to widen it to the extent that removes the harm, because hardship begets ease.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/120937
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 120937
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy