Is the niqab an obligation or a Sunnah, and should one give it up due to societal rejection or the demands of marriage and work, or should one remain steadfast upon it and await relief from Allah?

Wearing the niqab is obligatory according to the most authoritative scholarly opinions, and it is not permissible to obey one's father if he orders its removal. Enduring [hardship] with it in the environment you are in magnifies the reward, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Indeed, ahead of you are days of patience. Patience during them is like grasping a live coal. The one who acts therein will have a reward like that of fifty men who do what he does." The niqab is not an impediment to suitors; so be patient and ask Allah for a righteous husband. As for work, there is no good in work that necessitates abandoning the niqab, and it is not permissible to join such work except out of necessity.