Wearing the Niqab and Rulings Specific to the Family of the Prophet (Maliki)

Answered by Shaykh Rami Nsour

Question: Salam aleykoum,

If a woman finds out that she is from the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) offspring , does the niqab also become a duty for her, or does this only apply to the prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) wives and daughters?

Because I found out that I could be from Imam Al Hassan’s descendants. But I can’t imagine wearing a niqab.

Answer: A woman who is from the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) does not have a specific duty of niqab. Wearing niqab would follow the same difference of opinion that applies to Muslim women in general. There is a valid difference of opinion on whether or not a woman must wear niqab. [See the commentaries of the Mukhtsar on the Section of Covering in Prayer]

The only ruling legal ruling (fiqh) specific to the Family of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is that they cannot accept zakat. But even this is lifted when they are in need and do not find an income from the Muslim Treasury (Baytul Maal). [Hashiya Dusuqi in the Section of Zakat Recipients]

In general though, the Family of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) should try to follow the rules of Islam as closely as they can. They should also be given special regard by the general population of Muslims.