Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen explains that the hijab prescribed in Islam is for the woman to cover everything that is forbidden for her to show to non-mahram men. This means she must cover her entire body, including her face and hands. The ruling is that this is obligatory (fard) for every adult Muslim woman.

The evidence for this obligation is found in the Qur'an and Sunnah. Allah says in the Qur'an:

'O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.' (Surah al-Ahzab, 33:59)

Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen interprets this verse as a clear command for women to cover themselves completely with their outer garments (jilbab) when they go out, which conceals them from the gaze of non-mahram men.

Another key piece of evidence is the verse:

'...and not display their adornment except what [ordinarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests...' (Surah an-Nur, 24:31)

While some scholars interpret 'what ordinarily appears thereof' as the face and hands, Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen aligns with the position that this refers to the outer cloak itself or what might be revealed unintentionally by the wind, not that these parts can be left uncovered deliberately. The purpose of hijab is to prevent fitnah (temptation, trial) and to protect the woman's honour and dignity. Revealing the face, which is the center of beauty and identity, goes against this core purpose. Therefore, in his view, the complete covering is a requirement of the faith and a defining characteristic of a pious believing woman.