Q 1: A woman performed `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) but did not uncover her face while performing the rituals. Is this permissible or does she have to offer a Fidyah (ransom, i.e., sacrificial animal)? A: A woman should not uncover her face in the presence of non-Mahrams (not a spouse or unmarriageable relatives) whether during `Umrah or otherwise. A Muhrim (pilgrim in the ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah) woman may uncover her face if there are no men present, and cover it in their presence because her face is part of her `Awrah (parts of the body that must be covered in public). `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: We were in the company of the Prophet (peace be upon him) while we were in Ihram (ritual state for Hajj or `Umrah). When men passed by us, (Part No. 10; Page No. 143

A: A woman should not uncover her face in the presence of non-Mahrams (not a spouse or unmarriageable relatives) whether during `Umrah or otherwise. A Muhrim (pilgrim in the ritual state for Hajj and `Umrah) woman may uncover her face if there are no men present, and cover it in their presence because her face is part of her `Awrah (parts of the body that must be covered in public). `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: We were in the company of the Prophet (peace be upon him) while we were in Ihram (ritual state for Hajj or `Umrah). When men passed by us, (Part No. 10; Page No. 143) each of us would lower her Khimar (veil covering to the waist) from her head over her face, and when they had passed us, we would uncover our faces. A woman is not allowed to wear Niqab (face veil) during Ihram; but when in the presence of non-Mahrams, she must cover her face with anything other than the Niqab.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.