Wearing Niqab while assuming Ihram

Q: A woman performed `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) three times. She used to wear Burqu` (a face veil) which she would sometimes cover with a transparent piece of cloth. She was ignorant of the ruling on wearing Burqu` during Hajj or `Umrah. She did the same while performing the `Umrah preceding Hajj. She also combed her hair on the eighth of Dul-Hijjah in Mina. What is the ruling on that, honorable Shaykh?

A: It is not permissible for a woman who is in the process of performing Hajj or `Umrah to wear Burqu`. However, she has to wear it in the presence of Ajanib (men other than a husband or permanently unmarriageable male relatives). The Prophet's wives did this during the Farewell Hajj. Nothing is required of this woman as she is excused for being ignorant of the ruling on wearing Burqu` during Hajj or `Umrah. There is nothing wrong with her combing her hair provided that she does not wear perfume.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.