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A variety of garments are worn in the Muslim world. Western dress is widely worn in most countrues, but there are also traditional garments that have either a national or religious base. This varies sharply for men and women. While in some cases religiously based, these garments are not specified in the Koran--the central basis for Islamuc law. Some of these garments involve extreme full body coverings. Other farments are less extreme , but in all cases cover the head. There are several different female gatments, the popularity varying from country to country. Some of these garments have caused some countries in the West and some countries have banned garments covering the face. In other countries establishments like banks have banned the garments as well as offices like deparments of motor vehicles when taking identity photographs. Islamic activists say the garments are the right of the individuals to express their identity. Others say that the garmrnts are pasrt of the generalized Islamic supression of women.
There are a variety of garments worn by women in the Muslim world. While in some cases religiously based, these garments are not specified in the Koran--the central basis for Islamuc law. Some of these garments involve extreme full body coverings. Other farments are less extreme , but in all cases cover the head. There are several different female gatments, the popularity varying from country to country. Controvery as developed in both the West and some Muslim countries (Syria and Turkey). Islamuic scholars have debated the issues involved in some detail. Some of these garments have caused some countries in the West and some countries have banned garments covering the face. France issued a ban (pril 2011). In other countries establishments like banks have banned the garments as well as offices like deparments of motor vehicles when taking identity photographs. Islamic activists say the garments are the right of the individuals to express their identity. Others say that the garmrnts are pasrt of the generalized Islamic supression of women.
Abaya is the Arabic name for a loose fitting garment that is a full body covering--except the face and hands. The Niqab completes the abaya by covering the face with only an eye slit left uncovered. It is an outer garment. Women wear a variety of clothes underneath. At home when only family members are present, the abaya can be removed. Some styles cover the h\eadm but generally the abaya leaves the face uncovered. In Saudi Arabia, the abayas are generally black. Abayas are worn throughout the Arabian peninsylat from Yemen and Oman north to Kuwait. Usage varies from country to country. They are particularly prevalent in Saudi Arabia where usage is enforced by the Mutaween (relig, but not Jordanious or morals police).
The burqa is another loose-fitting full body covering, similar to the abaya. The principal difference is that it has a built-in facial grill serving as a veil. This permits the woman to see out, but leaves her face concealed. It is most associated with Afghanistan, but also worn in India, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. We have noted colors like light-blue. Social custom means that it is widely worn in Afghanistan, but usage varies in Palistan and India. The Saudi Mutaween alow women to wear the burqa in place of the abaya.
Chador is a Persian word for the full body covering garment. It is an open cloak. The woman starts by placing it over her head and then wraps it around the body. It is held closed by the hands or when needed the teath. It is primarily worn in Iran, but as elsewhere in the Middle East, often in Shite communities.
The dupatta is a long, multi-purpose scarf. Women commonly wear it with matching shalwar kameez or a sari. Women loosely drap it across the head and shoulders. The dupatta is common among Muslim women in South Asia as far north as Nepal.
The hijab is a generic Arabic world for women's modest dress. The term is most commonly used today to mean a headscarfe draped to civer the face and hair, but leaving the face fully exposed. (The dupatta and tudong are types of hijab.) There are other different types of hijab. Some are simple square scarves which can be Other hijabs are larger, more like a shawl than a scarfe. These larger hijabs can as well as the head cober the shoulders and chest area. Usage varies. we note in in Central and South Asia. as well as Bosnia, Turkey, Syria Jordan and West Africa, especially northern Nigeria.
The niqab is the Arabic word for the veil used to cover a woman's face. It is generally worn with the abaya. The Niqab completes the abaya by covering the face with only an eye slit left uncovered. Usage is the same as the abaya, basically used on the Arabian Peninsula including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, but not Jordan.
Tudong is a Malay word for a head covering scarfe. It is draped to civer the head and hair, but leaving the face uncovered.
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