Want to know more about the origins and importance of the hijab and head scarfs to Muslim culture? We’ve compiled all the information you need to know here.
‘To cover’ is the literal translation of the hijab. It originated from the Arabic word ‘hajaba’, however, that definition only touches the surface of what hijab means.
What lies underneath is a set of codes deeply-rooted in history and tradition.
Hijab is more than a headscarf used to hide a Muslim woman’s hair, neck, and bosom. It represents modesty, privacy, and morality. It serves as protection to women from potential harm and harassment.
There’s no literal mention in the Qur’an about the constant wearing of the hijab. Several passages, however, imply the need for its consistent use.
A verse from Qur’an 24:30-31 highlights the advantages of wearing a hijab. It highlights three points:
Some Muslims argue whether wearing hijab is a strict rule or a strong suggestion. Regardless, this Islamic dress code fosters modesty in both men and women’s heart and mind.
For one, it’s your identity as a Muslim woman. Hijab offers a constant reminder to be modest and pure. Being able to exercise your right to religious expression is also empowering. On a more practical level, wearing a hijab helps you get away with a bad hair day.
As a general rule in Islam, you should always wear a hijab when in the presence of non-Mahrams only. You can take it off when you’re in front of people whom you cannot marry. Your brothers and sisters can see your hair, as well as your parents and their siblings.
You can take it off when at home as long as there’s no other marriable person around.
You can sum up the dress code in Islam in two words: modest dressing. Choosing between covering up or only wearing a hijab is a matter of preference.
However, some Muslim women have no choice but to cover up because their country requires them to. Sometimes a strict family might insist on following the Islamic dress code. Other times, the whole nation should follow it without question.
Aside from adhering to tradition, covering up has its advantages as well. It’s a bold statement that you’re a Muslim woman.
It can downplay your physical beauty. However, the best part is that it allows people to appreciate you for your brains and not your looks. Compared to covering up, the hijab is more flexible.
Many Australian Muslim women choose to wear a headscarf over a long-sleeved shirt and jeans. It’s a fusion of the old and new, allowing you to dress in modesty and style at the same time.
There’s no uniform style for hijab. It comes in many different fabrics, colours, and patterns, here are some examples:
Popular in the Persian Gulf region, this type of hijab leaves the face uncovered. It’s a long, rectangular scarf that you wrap around your head and is pinned in place at the shoulders. It comes in different fabrics and styles.
This head covering is popular in Southeast Asia, particularly in Singapore and Brunei. Sometimes spelt as tudong, it has a distinctive appearance as to that of a traditional hijab. It leaves the face exposed while cover the hair, ears, and neck.
Eşarp is a square scarf often worn in Turkey. Made from silk fabric, it has various beautiful patterns and designs.
You’ll see this type of hijab in countries with large Shia populations. It’s sometimes worn over a smaller headscarf. Chador’s are most often black in colour. The chador is semicircle in shape and draped over the head. It’s held together in the front under the neck by hand, like how you wear a shawl.
Designed as part of a swimsuit, Burkini is another type of hijab. It’s a modern innovation in hijab design.
The burkini allows Muslim women to take part in sports, like swimming. They can join without compromising on the ideals of modest dressing.
Made from cotton, Al Amira hijabs are for long-term wear. Conventional Al Amira consists of a close-fitting cap and a tube-like scarf. It’s easy to wear and covers the neck and bosom as well.
Married women from the rural areas of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia wear this hijab. Its most distinctive feature is the metallic-looking mask covering the nose and mouth.
Khimar is a long veil that can reach up to the knees. It leaves the face clear, but covers the neck, shoulders, chest, and down to the waist. Khimar is popular among Egyptian women.
Boshiya is a full black veil covering the entire head, including the face. It has no opening for the eyes, which is why the material is a bit transparent.
Dupatta is a long rectangular veil with gorgeous embroidered edges. It’s something that you’ll often see in women from India and Bangladesh. Muslim women wear them over the head like a shawl. The fabric can vary from light to heavy, and its intricate design allows for modest fashion.
Jilbab is a protective article of clothing mentioned in the Qur’an. It’s a long dress covering the head up to the toe. However, the fabric doesn’t have intricate patterns. The cut of the dress is what makes it fashionable at the same time keeping you covered all throughout.
The niqab is often mistaken to be the same as the burka. While they both cover the whole body, a niqab leaves an opening for the eyes. It’s usually worn together with a long and loose black garment that reaches down to the feet.
Misconceptions that surround hijab are not exclusive to non-Muslims only. Separating truth from fiction will help you see the intrinsic value of wearing hijab:
Hijab is more than a simple headscarf. It’s more of a concept that encompasses all types of coverage to help you dress in modesty. Hijabs don’t just refer to a piece of clothing it’s about living a life of modesty and purity.
Some people view wearing a hijab to be restrictive and oppressive to women’s rights. It’s especially true with the niqab and burka types.
However, dressing in modesty does not in any way restrict Muslim women. If seen through its true purpose, wearing hijab empowers women. They become appreciated for the actual work they do instead of their physical beauty. It’s a compliment to see the true beauty that lies beneath the physical veil.
Wearing a hijab is not an indication about how religious a person is. Some wear hijab every day but don’t always fast during Ramadan. On the other hand, some don’t cover themselves but pray and fast all the time. Hijab is not something reserved to Muslims only, practising or not.
There are many different kinds of hijab, from fashionable to plain traditional. Regardless of what type you wear, the value it promotes should always be at the forefront. Dress modestly and live modestly.
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