Salam alaikoum, I started wearing a niqab to cover my face in front of non-mahram men about a year ago and I am so glad I made this decision. Now, I feel like covering my face is a part of me and I can't stand to go outside with my face exposed. But, I have read two things about face covering in hajj. One thing is that the prophet (SAWS) prohibited women from wearing niqab in hajj and the other thing is that Aisha used to cover her face in ihram with her headcovering when men would pass by. Is it permissible to do as Aisha did and use a garment for the face other than the niqab and if so, how exactly do you go about it? Men will be near me all the time in hajj so can I use something that wont require me to constantly hold it with my hands?

All praise be to Allah, and may His blessings and peace be on His last prophet and messenger, Muhammad.

Niqab is the specific piece of cloth that is tailored to cover the face only. You could cover your face by any other means, from the top or sides. You could also do that as long as there are men around you. If that is 100% of the time, then you would be still following the mothers of the believers if you covered your face 100% of the time.

Allah knows best.