Understanding the Differences: Hijab, Chador, Niqab, Burka, and Burkini
Mar 19, 2024
"There are lots of different kinds of coverings worn by modest women all over the world. Nonetheless, in recent times, head coverings are mainly associated with Muslim women. Both Christian and Jewish women also sometimes prefer headscarves.
The hijab was originally worn to demonstrate modesty, though some women also wear it to openly identify themselves as Muslim.
"There are Arab or Muslim women who decide to wear the hijab as an expression of their cultural identity," according to the website Arabs in America.
Still, others decide not to wear the hijab because in the Western world it draws attention, which may be considered contrary to the rules of modesty. Regardless of their choices, most Muslim women argue that wearing the hijab or another form of covering is a matter of personal choice.
There are several different types of head covering. Here is how they differ:
Hijab
In Arabic, the word “hijab” implies “cover.” The word hijab describes the act of covering up in general but is frequently used to describe the headscarves worn by Muslim women. These scarves come in various styles and colors. This common type of veil takes one of two shapes: the “shayla” keeps a woman’s face and neck exposed, whereas the “khimar” covers the neck and shoulders. The type most commonly worn in the West covers the head and neck but leaves the face uncovered.
Al-Amira
The al-amira is a two-piece veil. It consists of a close-fitting cap, typically made from cotton or polyester, and a tube-like scarf.
Khimar
The khimar is a long, cape-like veil that hangs down to only above the waist. It covers the hair, neck, and shoulders completely, but leaves the face clear.
Chador or Chadar
Also known as a tchador, worn by many Iranian women when outside the house, is a full-body cloak. It is frequently accompanied by a smaller headscarf underneath. It is a cloak that falls to a woman’s feet and includes the head covering. Beneath the chador is usually a dress, blouse, and skirt, or blouse and pants.
Shayla or Shawal
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.
Niqab
The niqab is a veil for the face that leaves the area around the eyes clear. The niqab leaves a woman’s eyes visible but covers her mouth and nose. There is usually a head covering like a khimar worn with it. However, it may be worn with a separate eye veil. It is worn with an accompanying headscarf.
Burka
Sometimes spelled burqa, the burka is the most concealing of all Islamic veils. It is a one-piece veil that covers the face and body, often leaving just a mesh screen to see through. There typically is a mesh panel through which the woman can see.
Bikini
The burkini is a modest swimwear covers that the entire body and is worn by Muslim women around the world. The suit covers the entire body except the face, the hands, and the feet, while being light enough for swimming."