Question:

Can a father or brother force their daughter or sister into wearing niqab if she does not want to do so? Would it be enough for her if she wears full hijab without covering the face?

Answer:

As for the ruling, then some of the scholars including Shaykh Albany say if the women is going to draw fitnah to herself and others by uncovering her face, then it is compulsory upon her to veil fully and it will be mandatory upon her guardian to command her to cover. Also, Shaykh Yahyaa al-Hajooree has some speech on this here.

However, some of the shuyookh also mentioned her refusal of the niqaab shouldn’t lead to much differing and hatred between the family or even divorce. Rather, he should be patient with her in encouraging her to cover fully, since on both opinions of the scholars it is something encouraged and Allah knows best.

I remember when Shaykh Saleem al-Hilaalee came to Yemen, he was asked about this matter – though its known he is on the similar stance of Shaykh Albany -. He answered by saying from the angle of a knowledge-based ruling, then it is permissible for the women to uncover their faces. However, from the practical sense of it in our time, then encourage your women to cover their faces [i.e with the niqaab or its likes].

Answered by

AbdulFattaah bin Uthman
Abu Fajr