Is it permissible to excommunicate a woman who takes off the niqab after wearing it for a period of time, especially if she was forced by her husband to abandon it, knowing that she fully adheres to the prescribed Islamic dress and wears a cloak (burnus) that covers her chest and pelvis over her jilbab?

The niqab is sought by scholarly consensus, though scholars have differed on the nature of this request: whether it is obligatory or recommended. What we favor is its obligation, and removing it is an act of disobedience. One who commits an act of disobedience does not become an infidel or an apostate; rather, they remain a disobedient Muslim. This is the belief of the Sunnis, contrary to the Kharijites who declare Muslims infidels for committing major sins.