What is the ruling on a woman covering her face, is it obligatory only for the beautiful, or for all women in general, and is it permissible to uncover the face in front of the husband’s brothers?

The jurists differed on three issues concerning the face and hands: Are they awrah (private parts)? Is it permissible to look at them? And must they be covered?

Issue One: Are the Face and Hands Awrah? - The majority of jurists (the four madhhabs) held that they are not awrah. This is the view of Aisha, Ibn Abbas, and Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with them. They cited Allah's saying: "And not display their adornment except what appears thereof" (24:31), interpreting "what appears thereof" to mean the face and hands. - Some Hanbalis held that they are awrah, citing Allah's saying: "O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments." (33:59)

Issue Two: Is it Permissible to Look at Them? - Some scholars held that it is absolutely forbidden to look at them, even if there is no fear of temptation (fitnah). - Others held that it is permissible to look at them when there is no fear of fitnah.

Issue Three: Must They Be Covered? - Some jurists held that it is not obligatory to cover them, but rather recommended, and that men are obligated to lower their gaze. - Others held that it is obligatory to cover them, not because they are awrah, but so that the woman does not assist men in looking with lust. - Scholars unanimously agreed on the prohibition of looking when there is fear of fitnah, based on Allah's saying: "Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their gaze" (24:30) and "And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their gaze" (24:31).