A Guide to Islamic Veils

A guide to Islamic veils



Hijab - (n. or v.) 1. Modest Islamic covering for men and women 2. A headscarf



Hijab for Muslim women includes covering everything except face, hands and feet.*

Hijab for Muslim men includes covering everything from the navel to the knees.



*Various opinions also include covering of the face.



Hijab- Although hijab is inclusive of all Islamic covering and modesty, the word hijab usually refers to headscarves worn by Muslim women. These scarves come in many different styles and colous. The type most commony worn is a square or rectangular 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. The word 'niqab' can refer to the entire covering or just the face veil portion. Niqabs are usually black although they can come in any colour.



Dupatta- A dupatta is a long rectangular veil worn by women in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. They range from very light and transparent to heavily ornate.



Ameera - An ameera is a two piece scarf. 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 usually black in colour and wrapped around the head and tucked or pinned in place at the shoulders.



Esarp- an esarp is a silk, square scarf worn primarily by Turkish women, Esarps come in many colours, patterns and designs.



Tudung- The tudung is worn by Indonesian and Malaysian women. It is a one-piece scarf that consists of a decorated round panel in front followed by varied panels and colours.



Chador - The chador, worn by many Iranian women when outside when outside the house, is a full-body cload. It is often accompanied by a smaller headscarf underneath. Chadors are alsmost always black except for prayer chadors which are made of light patterned cottons.



Doa Gaun- Doa Gauns are long, round intricately embroidered cotton veils that slip over the head and are tied back with a ribbon or elastic.



Gele- A Gele is a headwrap consisting of a long strip of woven or dyed clothe wrapped around the head. These colourful, bright and vibrant wraps are worn by women from nations in West Africa.



Khimar- The Khimar is a long, cape-like veil that hangs down to just above the waist. It covers the hair, neck and shoulders completely, but leaves the face clear.



Pashmina- A pashmina is a long rectangular scarf made from very fine cashmere. They can come in plain solid colours or with border designs ebellished with sequins or beads.



Burqa- The burqa covers the entire face and body, leaving a mesh screen to see through. It is traditionally found in the colours white, peacock blue, brown, olive or mustard.