Am I sinful for removing my niqab to go to my aunt's house after my father forbade me from going there while wearing the niqab? And which is better: obeying my father and maintaining kinship ties, or wearing the niqab?

Scholars have differed regarding the permissibility of a woman uncovering her face in front of non-mahram men. Our fatwa on this matter is that it is not permissible. If you believe that covering the face is obligatory, then you are not obliged to obey your father in uncovering it, because obedience is only in what is good and lawful. If, however, you have interpreted it as permissible in obedience to your father and to maintain kinship ties, we hope that you will not be sinful. Nevertheless, you must cover your face as long as you believe it is obligatory, even if your father orders you to uncover it or prevents you from visiting relatives. You should be gentle with him and explain that your action is out of fear of violating the Sacred Law, not out of disobedience to him. If there is harm in your going out with your face covered, then limit your outings to what is absolutely necessary. Maintaining kinship ties is not limited to visits; it is also achieved through communication, correspondence, greetings, and anything considered an act of connection عرفًا (customarily).