Different Types of Islamic Veils
Image credit: Abbasi/USA TODAY

7 Types of Islamic Veils Explained

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Head scarves are standard fabrics used by women worldwide, but Islamic veils are different, and not everyone can wear them.

In Islam and other traditional countries, head covering for women is essential. Women cover the head with a headscarf, the burqa covers the body, and the Niqab covers the face.

Women in Islamic culture frequently wear veils as a statement of religious humility. The types of veils worn vary according to ethnic and religious differences.

However, let us discuss the different types of Islamic veils that exist. Read on!

1. Hijab

Hijab
Photo by 6335159 on Pixabay

The Hijab has two scarves that cover the head and neck. Muslim women wear the Hijab when going outside and in the presence of men who are not their family members.

It is a way of showing submission to their Lord, Allah. The Hijab is the most popular and most used of the different types of Islamic veils.

The Holy Quran, the Muslim’s Holy Book, instructs that men and women must appear modest.

Further, we can find the Hijab in different styles, sizes, and colors.

2. Shayla

shayla
by Geoff Livingston is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Shayla is another beautiful veil among the different Islamic veils worn by Muslim women.

However, this Islamic veil type doesn’t fully cover the neck; the female wears and wraps it around it.

This Muslim veil is usually rectangular and long and is common in the Gulf region. Sometimes, women rock the Shayla like a niqab, leaving only part of the face showing.

3. Niqab

Niqab
by sittiealiah is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Another type of Islamic veil is the Niqab. The Niqab only covers the area around the eyes and frequently goes with a headscarf.

However, a separate eye veil might hide the headscarf. Some women even wear gloves and sunglasses to support the Niqab.

The Niqab is associated with the Wahabbi branch of Islam, which is fiercely orthodox, particularly in Saudi Arabia.

4. Khimar

Khimar
by Roel Wijnants is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

The Khimar is a common veil type among the Islamic veils in Egypt. It’s a long veil that falls just above the waist.

The Khimar covers the hair, neck, and shoulders but leaves the face uncovered. It has various styles, the first designed to protect the head. But now, they can be lengthy, covering the wrists, elbows, knees, and feet.

5. Al-Amira

Al-Amira

Al-Amira is another unique Islamic veil. The veil is made of two-piece material with a tight cap made from polyester or cotton. The Muslim woman wears a tube-like scarf over her cap, covering her neck. This veil type is mainly found in Southeast Asia.

6. Burqa

Burqa
by AslanMedia is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The burqa is the most famous Islamic veil among the different Islamic veils, with a one-piece cloth covering a person’s entire body. It’s the most obstructive of all the Islamic coverings.

It completely conceals the face and body, leaving only a mesh screen visible. Several European countries have tried to ban both the Niqab and the burka.

7. Chador

Chador
by Adam Jones, Ph.D. – Global Photo Archive is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Chador is a wide garment covering the head and upper body, leaving only the face visible.

It is common in Iran, and women wear it outside the house. Though other women wear the Chador, it is mostly for Muslim women.

Conclusion

Though other women wear these veils, Muslim women wear them mostly. Some women wear them for modesty and fashion, while most wear them to show their submission to God.

However, it is a beautiful style; people should accept the veils and not criticize those interested in wearing them.

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