Question:
Salaam.
1. Is it permissible to stitch the 2 ends of the Izar of Ihram when going for Umrah?
2. A woman who normally wears Burqa goes into Ihram, Is it better for her to uncover her face or wear a Burqa that does not touch her face?
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
1- Sewing the Izaar (loin) in the middle should be avoided, instead a pin may be used. A money belt or similar may be used around the waist to hold the Izaar in place.
2- In principle, leaving the face uncovered is part of the woman’s Ihraam. However, in these times of corruption and evil, the Fuqahaa (scholars) have advised that a woman in Ihraam must cover her face in such a way that the covering cloth (Niqaab or Burqa) does not touch the face. This can be done by wearing a cap to keep the niqaab away from the face. If however the niqaab does end up touching the face for a short time, then charity equivalent to the amount of Sadaqatul Fitr should be given.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Arshad Ali
Darul Iftaa, Jaamia Madinatul Uloom (Trinidad)