As we know, there are many things that are not permissible in the state of Ihram for pilgrims during performing Umrah. Hunting and covering the head are also included in this category. In this case, read this topic to know more about the question, “Can I cover my face during Umrah?” This article will guide you to find the right answer to this question.
Umrah, often known as the “lesser” or “small” pilgrimage, entails performing a number of rituals within the boundaries of Makkah’s Masjid Haram. It has four key components and can be performed at any time of the year.
It is forbidden for women pilgrims to cover their faces during Umrah. If a woman does this act during Umrah, she must slaughter a sheep or a goat to atone for it and distribute its meat to poor people. However, women may cover their faces in such a way that they cannot touch their faces if they feel the need to do so in the presence of men.
Covering the face during Umrah or Hajj
It is not allowed for a woman to cover her face in the state of Ihram. According to many scholars, during Ihram, it is prohibited for women to cover their faces. Just as it is unlawful for men to cover their heads.
Ibn Umar reported from the Prophet (PBUH) that he said: “A pilgrim woman should not cover her face, or wear gloves.” (Al Bukhari)
Source link: https://www.islamweb.net/en/article/147830/covering-the-face-during-hajj-or-umrah
A woman pilgrim should let the top cover of her veil hang down on her face if she has to conceal her face owing to the presence of strange men.
However, a woman who is on a pilgrimage should not wear any face covering that is designed to just cover the face. She may, however, hang a portion of her head covering over her face.
If a woman covers her face with a face covering or anything else, she must atone for breaking one of the Ihram requirements.
Note: If you don’t know about the ihram rules. Then first you have to read all guidance about Ihram the book your Umrah and Hajj Packages.
Why is it forbidden for a woman in Ihram to wear a Niqab?
There is no evidence to show that the Prophet (PBUH) banned the woman in Ihram from covering her face, or that He (PBUH) ordered them to uncover their faces.
Therefore, when non-mahram men passed by women in Ihram during the time of the Prophet (PBUH), they would cover their faces with something other than the niqab.
Women are not permitted to wear a separate item of clothing that fits the face and hands due to the ban on the niqab and gloves. It doesn’t necessarily follow that they shouldn’t be covered at all. This is similar to the ruling of the Prophet (PBUH) prohibiting the wearing of a shirt or pants by a man in Ihram. This does not mean that men remain naked, rather cover their bodies with Izar (waist or lower garment) and Rida (upper garment).
Men are prohibited to cover their bodies with different types of clothing rather than wearing clothing that is fitted to their bodies. The niqab and gloves are also forbidden for women, but they should nonetheless cover their hands and faces with something else.
Instead, a woman’s face is like a man’s body: it is forbidden to conceal a woman’s face with a separate piece of clothing that is tailored to fit her face, such as the niqab. In fact, it is forbidden to cover it with a piece of material that is separate and hand-sized, such as gloves. There is absolutely no restriction on covering the hand with the sleeve or the face with a head covering or other items of clothing.
It is clear that the niqab’s face-fitting design is the reason why a woman in an ihram is not permitted to wear one. The scholars concluded that the woman’s face in ihram is similar to a man’s body.
Forbidden actions during Umrah
There are many forbidden actions in Ihram during Umrah. These are as follows:
- Applying perfume
- Covering the face (for women)
- Covering the head (for men)
- Applying oil
- Sexual activity between a husband and wife
- Wearing sewn clothes (for men)
- Hunting
- Killing lice or locusts
- Clipping nails
- Removal of body hair
Conclusion
Umrah is a blessed journey to the holy city of Makkah that can be performed at any time during of the 12 months. It is a shortened version of Hajj. Pilgrims cannot do many things in the state of Ihram while performing Umrah, such as hunting and covering their heads.
Women performing the Umrah are not allowed to cover their faces. If a woman commits this act while performing Umrah, she must sacrifice a sheep or a goat to atone for it and give the meat to the needy. If women feel the need to cover their faces in the company of men, they may do it in a way that prevents it from touching their faces. You have to know all rules and regulations of Umrah before booking your Umrah Package.
