Is being lenient in حجاب and going out without a face covering in times of peace, in the presence of two non-mahram men, considered an act of defiance against Allah or a deception by Satan, especially given that living conditions compel the questioner to seek help from her maternal aunt, whose husband resides in the same building?

Scholars differ on the obligation for a woman to cover her face. The preponderant view is that covering it is obligatory, especially if revealing the face leads to temptation (fitna), or if the woman knows that men will look at her. If it is customary that no foreign men will see you when you move between your apartment and others' residences, then there is no objection to removing the head covering, especially if adhering to it causes hardship. However, if it is likely that men will see you, then it is impermissible for you to uncover any part of your 'awrah. If you have covenanted with Allah not to uncover your face covering, then you are obligated to fulfill Allah's covenant in the presence of foreign men or when their presence is likely. If you violate the covenant, then you must offer an expiation for breaking an oath (kaffarat yamin). However, if no foreign men are present and you do not expect them to see you, then covering is not obligatory for you, but if you do not cover your face as you covenanted with your Lord, then you should offer an expiation for breaking an oath.