Is it permissible to wear the niqab in Gulf countries and take it off upon returning home due to the harassment faced by women who wear niqab there, while adhering to the long hijab? And is it permissible to wear it while abroad to avoid appearing unusual in a male-dominated society?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Covering the face is obligatory according to Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. It is also the correct view within the Shafi'i and held by a group of Hanafis and Malikis when there is a fear of fitna (temptation/strife). It is permissible to remove the niqab upon arriving in a country where authorities cause hardship and harassment to the woman wearing the niqab and her family, provided that modesty and concealment are maintained, a concealing jilbab is worn, the head is covered, and no adornment that attracts attention is displayed.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/89247
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 89247
- 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