Photo of a woman's face in a passport

Q: Is a woman's face in a passport photo or other documents considered as `Awrah (parts of the body that must be covered in public)? In case that a woman refuses to photograph her face, is it permissible for her to appoint someone else to perform Hajj (Part No. 1; Page No. 719) on her behalf ? What are the conditions of the Muslim woman's attire according to the Qur'an and the Sunnah?

A: It is not permissible for a woman to put a photograph of her face in a passport or any other documents because the face is included in the `Awrah. The woman's photo in a passport and other documents may tempt others who see it. However, if she is unable to travel to perform Hajj except in this way, then she is permitted to do that, and it is not permissible for her to appoint someone else to perform Hajj on her behalf.The whole body of a woman is `Awrah according to the evidence derived from the Qur'an and the Sunnah, so she is obliged to cover her whole body before any one except her Mahrams (spouse or unmarriageable relatives), for Allah (Exalted be He) says: ...and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers He (Glorified be He) also says: And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen: that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.