What is hijab? A look at its types and styles

The word Hijab has become increasingly familiar in recent times, it is may be just a piece of clothing, but it is a symbol deeply embedded in the cultural, religious, and social fabric of Muslim communities around the world. let’s explore in depth what is Hijab and its types.

What is Hijab?

The Arabic word Hijab is derived from the word “hajaba” which means to hide or conceal it is also translated to veil, screen, or partition commonly understood as a head covering worn by Muslim women.

In its broadest sense, it refers to modesty and privacy in Islamic teachings.

However, its meaning and significance for a Muslim woman goes beyond a simple head covering. In this article, we explore the concept of hijab, its different forms, and the cultural and religious contexts in which it is worn.

Understanding Hijab why is it worn?

In the Islamic tradition, the hijab is seen as a sign of maintaining modesty, honor, respect, and fulfillment of God’s commandments. Two verses of the Holy Quran talk about the concept of hijab. The clearest verses on the requirement of modest dress are found in Surah AN-NUR 30–31, instructing both men and women to dress and act modestly. According to Islamic law, the hijab must be worn from puberty. It is a personal choice that reflects one’s faith and values.

In Islam, both genders are encouraged to dress modestly and avoid revealing attire. For women, loose-fitting clothing covers the body, from shoulders to ankles, like a long court, abaya, or burqa.

For men, Men are commanded to lower their gaze when facing women and show modesty. (It is referred to as a hijab of eyes)

Beautiful thought about hijab

A veiled Muslim woman wears the veil because she knows that her creator (Lord) has made her like a precious pearl, just as a pearl is preserved in an oyster, so a Muslim woman wears a hijab to protect herself from the evil eye.

The purpose of a hijab or burqa:

The hijab and burqa are both forms of head coverings worn by Muslim women. The purpose of wearing them varies among individuals and communities and it can be understood by the following points;

1. The hijab and Burqa are seen by some Muslim women as a religious obligation, while many Muslim women choose to wear them to fulfill the Qur’an’s requirement to wear modest clothing.
2. Many Muslim women wear the hijab or burqa as a sign of modesty and to protect themselves from unwanted attention.
3. For some women, the hijab and burqa are a way of expressing their faith and their Muslim identity.
4. In some cultures, it is a long-standing tradition for women to wear headscarves regardless of religious affiliation.
5. Women who wear hijab and burqa feel safe from harm and evil eye.
6. Important note: It’s important to note that the reasons for wearing a hijab or burqa are personal, for some women, it is a choice made out of faith and personal conviction, while for others it may be influenced by cultural norms or family expectations.

Types of Hijabs

There are different types of hijabs (head coverings worn by Muslim women) some common types are:

• Hijab: Also known as scarf this is the most widely recognized form of hijab. It is a square and rectangular fabric covering the head and neck while the face remains uncovered. It comes in various styles and countless colors, patterns, and fabrics depending on the personal preference and style of the wearer.
• Niqab: A niqab is a veil covering the entire face except the eyes. It is often worn with a scarf, mostly practiced in the Arabian Peninsula. It also comes in different styles, colors, and fabrics with the most common color being black.
• Burqa: A full body hijab is called burqa. The burqa covers the entire body, including the face, and a mesh veil over the eyes. The burqa is the most prominent of the Islamic veils, it is commonly worn in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan. Many people are confused about hijab and burqa, are burqa and hijab the same thing? So, the answer is no.
• A hijab is only a hair veil while a Burqa is a full-body veil.
• Khimar: A khimar is a loose head covering that hangs down from the shoulders or chest and it is worn with modern clothing, such as long sleeves and skirts. Many Muslim women choose to wear the khimar as part of their religious dress, it is not specific to any one country or culture.
• Shayla: Is a long, rectangular scarf popular in the Gulf region, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE. It is wrapped around the head and covers the hair and neck. The Shayla offers a versatile style and modest look that can be adapted to various fashions and preferences.
• Chador: The chador is primarily worn by women in Iran and some parts of the Middle East. It’s a full-body cloak that covers the body entirely, leaving the face exposed. Usually black, worn over regular clothing and secured with the hands.
• Al-Amira: The Al-almira is a modern type of hijab consisting of two pieces a fitting cap and a scarf worn over it.as it is easy to wear and provides comfort and convenience so it has become the first choice of working women and schoolgirls around the world.

Important note: remember to note that the above-mentioned types are just a few examples, and there are many other variations of hijab based on cultural and regional differences. In the Middle East, the hijab is in its traditional forms, such as the niqab and chador, in Southeast Asia (Malaysia and Indonesia) adopted hijab in a fashionable style. In North Africa, it is worn with traditional clothing.

Hijab and Culture

The way of wearing hijab varies in different cultures and societies. In some cultures, it is a deeply rooted tradition, while in others, it is a more recent adoption.

It is very important to understand the subject of hijab with sensitivity and understanding. One should avoid saying stereotypical things about Muslim women. Since the decision to wear hijab is a personal choice, everyone should respect the personal choice of others.

Hijab and Modernity

Recently, there has been a growing trend of mixing traditional hijab style with modern fashion. Designers are creating stylish hijab options so that women can express their individuality while adhering to their religious beliefs.

Since the hijab is a symbol of empowerment and identity for Muslim women, it is important to recognize that it is not a sign of oppression but rather a choice of women who embrace their faith and worth.

Challenges of Hijabi Women

stereotype

The hijab, there is often wrong news circulating in the media, sometimes it is presented as a symbol of fundamentalism as a stereotype, and sometimes as a tool of oppression, although everyone knows that a Muslim woman has the full right to wear the hijab.

Resolving misunderstandings requires a detailed and respectful understanding of individual choices and cultural contexts.

Legal and Social Challenges

In some countries, Muslim hijabi women face various legal and social problems due to bans on face veils and hijabs in educational institutions, workplaces, and public places. However, some rights movements and advocacy groups continue to raise their voice for the dignity and rights of women who wear the hijab.

final thought

Finally, the hijab is a sophisticated concept with deep religious and cultural significance that represents dignity, modesty, and personal devotion. The hijab embodies a broader understanding of appropriate dress for both men and women. As the world progresses, the understanding and practice of wearing the hijab is becoming more common. By fostering respect, we can better appreciate this important aspect of Muslim identity and culture.