Is it permissible to cover the face for a woman in order to observe purdah?

Answer

It is not permissible to let the niqaab touch the face. In this case a sun hat or headgear could be worn in such a way that the niqaab is suspended over the hat so that it does not touch the face. However if this becomes cumbersome whereby there is danger of tripping, etc. then due to the great fitnah prevalent during hajj and umrah, the niqaab should be strictly worn at all times. If it touches the face and the face is covered for less than a day or night then only sadaqah should be given, i.e. the sadqah fitr amount.