Is it permissible for an employer to compel an employee to perform a religious ruling that is subject to scholarly disagreement, such as compelling a housemaid to cover her face even though her madhhab permits uncovering it?

It is not permissible to object in matters of ijtihad (independent reasoning) if the one performing it relies on a recognized jurisprudential opinion. Therefore, an employer may not compel an employee to adopt a disputed religious ruling if the employee follows a specific madhhab (school of thought) or a recognized opinion. As for compelling a maid to cover her face, if there is a preponderant benefit, such as protecting her honor or fearing temptation, then she must cover her face when there is a fear of temptation concerning her, whether according to those who hold the view that covering is obligatory or those who do not.