Muslim veils: what are the differences and who wears them

The return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan has once again targeted a common female garment in the Muslim world with its different variants: the veil.

The use of the Islamic veil is part of the traditions that predate Islam itself. Among the main precepts of Islamic law, are established strict dress guidelines. In the case of women, they are forced to wear veils of different types: those that only decorate part of the face (hiyab o shayla); those that cover the head and body, but leave the face uncovered (chador); and those that completely cover the face, head, hands and body (niqab and burqa).

Within Islam, two clear aspects can be distinguished. One maintains that women, entering puberty, must completely cover your body and head. Another, meanwhile, said that although it is not a warrant, it is recommended.

Most of the more orthodox Muslim rulers and theorists argue that the hijab should be a mandatory practice. Others, a little more liberal, argue that the Koran does not really order the wearing of the veil, but aims to respect decency and modesty when presenting the body.

1. HIYAB

The hijab is considered by many Muslims to be the symbol of religion and femininity. This veil hides the hair, ears and neck of women, but shows the face.

This word has its root in the Arabic term hajaba, whose meaning is to hide, to hide from view, to put distance.

The hijab is accompanied a tunic or a raincoat. Its size, color and location depend on the customs of each community or country.

The origin of the term is in the Quran and indicates a barrier not between a man and a woman, but between two men. In the days of the Rhachidian caliphs, the word drapery to mark a separation between the caliph and the space occupied by the people.

2. BURKA

Among the most stringent sails are the burqa and the niqab. The first consists of a long veil which completely covers the head and body. He hardly has some sort of grid to have a certain vision.

It is the traditional dress of the Pashtun tribes in Afghanistan. Even the extremist current of the Taliban has declared its use compulsory.

From there, from the vision of the West this veil was associated with the terrorist regime of the Taliban. For this reason, some regions have proposed to ban its use, especially in schools and hospitals. An initiative which, in each case, has been criticized by various human rights groups.

France, Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium, among others, are some of the countries where a ban on the burqa has been proposed.

In many countries of the Middle East, the burqa is seen as a demonstration of faith in Islam.

3. NIQAB

The niqab, on the other hand, is a long robe that completely covers the body and head. He barely reveals the woman’s eyes. This is the only difference with the burqa.

The etymological root of this word is in the arabic term naqaba, which means “boring” because it only has two eye holes.

In the Muslim world, the use of this veil predominates in areas of Wahhabi influence, such as Saudi Arabia. Precisely this Islamic current of Wahhabism is distinguished by its rigorous application of Sharia law.

4. CHADOR

The chador is another veil that covers the woman from head to toes, but it exposes the face and the hands. It can be of different colors and contains a long tunic (abaya, in Arabic) to hide the shape of the body and a veil to cover the hair and neck.

It is mostly used in communities of Shiite women, mainly in countries like Iran or Iraq. Even the term comes from Persian chaddar.

5. AL-AMIRA

The amira or al-amira is made up of two parts. One is mounted on the head in the form of a cap and the other is a fitted veil of tubular shape. It completely covers the head and neck, without revealing the hair.

It is a practical and simple style to wear the hijab. It is known as the “Princess scarves” style because this type of veil can be adorned with diamonds, brooches or any other type of decoration.

Also it may vary in design and colors.

6. SHAYLA

The shayla is a long rectangular veil that is worn wrap the head and attaches to the shoulders. It does not allow the woman to show her hair, but it does allow her face.

It is widely used in the countries of the Persian Gulf.

Regarding their design, they usually have different colors and even they can have gauze type prints or transparencies.

7. KHIMAR

Finally, the khimar is cape shaped and extends to the feet. It covers the hair, neck and shoulders, but it helps to show the face.

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