Before embracing Islam some women in our country had their pictures taken for passport with their head uncovered. So this picture was put on their passport. Now after some of them embraced Islam they still carry these passports with the pictures of uncovered head and show this passport in some institutions where necessary. I would like to ask what is the ruling on their showing this passport in different institutions considering the fact the government does not allow to have pictures taken for passport with hijab? Is this considered a necessity and can they show this passport in places where required?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

It is not permissible for a woman to show her pictures where she is photographed without Hijab to marriageable men, whether this is a passport picture or else. That is because a woman is ordered to cover her adornment as Allaah Says (what means): {…and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof.} [Quran 24:31].

The women whom you mentioned should endeavour to change their passports which bears their picture without Hijab, but if they are unable to do so, then Allaah does not overburden a soul more than it can bear. Moreover, it is not permissible for them to show those passports except in case of dire necessity where they have no other alternative but to show them, and Allaah Says (what means): {…while He has explained in detail to you what He has forbidden you, excepting that to which you are compelled.} [Quran 6:119].

Allaah Knows best.