If a husband orders his wife to cover her face, even though it is only recommended, is she obligated to obey him?

The questioner : In your book "The Hijab," you stated that a woman's face is not an 'awrah (part of the body that must be covered), and then you said that covering it is recommended. For example, it is recommended in the same way as the second level of recommendations, which are based on the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), such as voluntary prayers.

The Shaykh : Yes, it is the same.

The questioner : Like what, for instance?

The Shaykh : It is the same.

The questioner : Okay; since it is like that, for example, is it permissible for her husband, for example, to force her to do something that is a voluntary act?

The Shaykh : It is permissible, yes.

The questioner : I mean, for example, if I do not fast, for example, the six days of Shawwal, can he force me to fast the six days of Shawwal?

The Shaykh : Yes, if he orders you, it becomes obligatory for you.

The questioner : It becomes obligatory for me.

The Shaykh : That you fast the six days of Shawwal.

The questioner : Even though ... .

The Shaykh : May Allah guide you. Why are you dragging out your speech like this? Why do you say: "Even though," when you already mentioned the point at the beginning? So keep your speech measured and limited, for the best of speech is what is brief and clear. You said from the start: "If my husband orders me to fast six days of Shawwal, is it obligatory for me to obey him?" We told you: Yes. Then you go back and say: "Even though the six days of Shawwal are a recommended fast." Until when do we want to build up the speech and tear it down, build it up and tear it down? The best of speech is what is brief and clear. May Allah bless you. And especially now, as you are asking, others are asking too, so keep your questions concise and brief. Is uncovering the face forbidden or permissible? No, it is permissible. Is covering it recommended or not? Yes, it is recommended. Okay; if my husband orders me to cover my face, does it become obligatory for me? The answer: Yes. If my husband orders me to fast six days of Shawwal, is it obligatory for me? Yes. If he forbids you from fasting six days of Shawwal, you must stop.

The questioner : Okay; is there evidence?

The Shaykh : Yes, .

The questioner : This is different in the case of increasing voluntary acts.

The Shaykh : May Allah guide you. Every time I answer you, you say: "This is different." What is different? Is fasting not an act of worship?

The questioner : No, I mean.

The Shaykh : Is fasting not an act of worship?

The questioner : Fasting is an act of worship.
Another questioner : If you please, Shaykh, I want to speak to you and explain the issue to you, and I want you to issue a ruling for me in it, if Allah wills.

The Shaykh : Please, go ahead.
Another questioner : I am always, praise be to Allah, guided by Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) to be committed.

The Shaykh : Praise be to Allah.
Another questioner : A person, a relative of mine, repented and is committed, even he.
...

The Shaykh : O my sister, may Allah guide you, let your wali (guardian) be the one who speaks on this matter, and not between you and him.
Another questioner : Yes, may Allah bless you, Shaykh.

The Shaykh : May Allah preserve you.