Is the niqab a religious obligation, and how can one remain steadfast upon it amidst the abundance of skeptics? What is the truth behind the story of Al-Fadl and the woman he looked at while he was next to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him?

The issue of the niqab has two aspects: The first is its obligation. This is an old matter of dispute, and mujtahids and students of knowledge weigh in according to the evidence, while common people follow those scholars they trust. There is an agreement among the imams on its obligation when there is fear of fitna by or upon the woman.

The second aspect is its permissibility and preferability. This is not a matter of dispute but rather a point of agreement among the imams. Those who deny this have nothing but ignorance and the pursuit of whims, and many books have been written refuting this fabrication. The story of Al-Fadl ibn Abbas is authentic and is evidence for those who say it is not obligatory, and those who affirm its obligation have responded to it. It suffices for the questioner to know that covering the face is the most preferable according to the unanimous agreement of the imams.