Is it true that Imam Malik said the niqab is an innovation (bid'ah)?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
No specific statement has been authentically attributed to Imam Malik regarding covering the face. However, what is well-known in his is the dislike (karahah) of wearing a niqab during prayer for both men and women, because it prevents placing the nose on the ground during prostration, though repeating the prayer is not obligatory. It is legislated for a woman to cover her allurements outside of prayer if there is a fear of tempting men. Other jurists have also disliked covering the mouth and nose during prayer.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/68495
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 68495
- 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