Is it permissible for me to wear the niqab as an unmarried girl in a country that follows the Maliki madhhab, where unmarried girls do not wear it, and must I follow the prevailing custom, or do I have the choice to wear it?

Covering the face is legislated for women, whether married or unmarried. Its minimum status is desirability (mustahabb), which is the position of the four schools of thought. It may reach the level of obligation (wajib) if the woman is beautiful and there is a fear of temptation because of her.

It is not permissible to abandon any religious ruling to conform to people's customs and traditions. Rather, adherence to religion in a time of its strangeness is considered one of the greatest acts of proximity (to Allah).

Adherence to religion and opposing bad customs may cause some embarrassment, but this should not prevent adherence to the Sharia. For whoever seeks Allah's pleasure, even if it displeases people, Allah will suffice him against the burden of people.