HEAD COVERINGS
To this day, head coverings play a significant role in many religions, including Orthodox Judias, and Catholicism. However most associate head coverings or veils within the Islamic faith. What are the origins of the obligation to wear the Islamic veil? Do all women have to wear them? Are all veils the same or do they make different forms and shapes? This document will give you an insight into some of those questions.
Head Coverings
The hijab is a head covering, generally a veil or a scarf, worn in public or in the presence of non familiar adult males by some Muslim women. The wearing of the hijab and its meaning is often misunderstood in a religious, and cultural concept. In literal terms it directly translates to ‘barrier’. Contrary to popular belief, the hijab is not merely a physical object, but rather it is the concept of both internal and external modesty. The concept of modesty within Islam does not only apply to women, but also men.
Hijab
The word hijab comes from the Arabic for veil and is used to describe the headscarves worn by Muslim women. These scarves come in various styles and colours. The type most commonly worn in the West is a square scarf that covers the head and neck but leaves the face clear.
Niqab
The niqab is a veil for the face that leaves the area around the eyes clear. However, it may be worn with a separate eye veil. It is worn with an accompanying headscarf.
Burka
The burka is the most concealing of all Islamic veils. It covers the entire face and body, leaving just a mesh screen to see through.
Al-amira
The al-amira is a two piece veil. It consists of a close fitting cap, usually made from cotton or polyester and an accompanying tube like scarf.
Shayla
The shayla is a long, rectangular scarf popular in the Gulf region. It is wrapped around the head and tucked or pinned in place at the shoulders.
Khimar
The khimar is a long, cape-like veil that hangs down to just about the waist. It covers the hair, neck and shoulders completely, but leaves the face clear.
Chador
The chador, worn by many Iranian women when outside the house, is a full body cloak. It is often accompanied by a smaller head scarf underneath.