Wearing A Niqaab (Purdah) Whilst In Ihraam

It is necessary to observe Purdah from strangers whilst in Ihram. A famous misconception is that there is no Purdah during Haj and Umrah. One should remember that just as not allowing the cloth to touch the face is a command of Allah Ta’aala, likewise not allowing the face to be viewed by strangers is also a command of Allah Ta’aala.

Hadhrat Ayesha Radiallahu Anha says that they were in Ihraam with Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam. Whenever any horsemen passed by, they would lower their veils (from their heads) covering their faces and when the horsemen would pass by they would lift it. (Abu Dawud).

It is thus necessary for women to conceal their faces from strangers even whilst in Ihraam, this could be done by cutting something like a board etc. and placing it on the forehead in such a way so as to prevent the cloth from touching the face or by wearing something like a cap and attaching a cloth/Purda to it. In this way the command of Purdah and Ihram both will be fulfilled.