Women covering their faces
Q: If the face of women and hands are not awrah then why is it compulsory to cover? Is it a major sin to show the face? You said in one answer that it is compulsory in this time of fitnah... Isn't it compulsory from the era of our Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) when the ayah came?
A: The Qur'an has commanded men to lower their gazes from women and it commands women to lower their gazes from men. Secondly the Azwaaj-e-Mutahharaat say that when we were in the state of ihraam and men had to pass by we would lower our garments covering our faces.
The teaching of the hadeeth is to avoid areas of fitnah and suspicion. When it is confirmed that it is a time of fitnah and corruption that we are living in then the law will definitely apply. The principle is taught in the hadeeth and the righteous experienced ulama will explain as to when it is applicable in which age and time.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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