Is the niqab obligatory, and is it permissible to force someone to wear it?

The obligation for a woman to cover her face is a matter of considerable scholarly disagreement. One who believes in the obligation of the niqab may command women under his guardianship, such as his wife and daughter, to wear it. In matters of scholarly disagreement, obedience is due to one who must be obeyed if he commands one of the two viewpoints, provided his command does not necessitate falling into what is deemed more likely to be forbidden.