What are the rulings on the Niqab?

If by niqab is meant that which covers the face, then the ruling on wearing it relates to the ruling on a woman covering her face in front of non-mahram men. Scholars have differed on the obligation of this. As for a woman in ihram for Hajj or Umrah, she is not permitted to wear the niqab, based on the saying of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): "The woman in ihram should not wear the niqab nor gloves." However, she may let down something over her face if she fears the gaze of non-mahram men.