Muslim women's clothing has undergone a series of stormy discussions not only in the European environment. Now the topic has returned to the table, especially in connection with the events in Afghanistan. Along with this, however, the confusion in terms also returned. In the Muslim world, there are several forms of veiling, which are used interchangeably in the European environment. How to tell the difference between burqa, niqab, chador and hijab?
It should be noted that not all of them come from religious roots, specifically from Islam. The habit of wearing clothing that covers the entire body except for the face has its roots already in the Mesopotamia period. After all, early Christian customs also work with chaste veiling, so it cannot be said that it is a practice based solely on Islam. It draws more from Middle Eastern traditions.
The Koran itself does not directly mention covering the face and hair. References to women's clothing are rather vague. However, it states that they should dress modestly. However, the interpretation of the holy book varies according to specific Islamic currents. According to Islamic scholars, the aim of veiling should be, on the one hand, to avoid female vulgarity, and on the other hand, to protect Muslim women who are too exposed from becoming a sexual target by men.
Flour
In connection with the events in Afghanistan, the term burqa resonates the most, which is a designation for a solid, mostly black or blue upper layer of women's clothing, which is worn over ordinary clothing.
This is the most conservative way of veiling - the burqa covers practically the entire body, including the eyes, Muslim women look at the world through a grid in the face. Women can only take off the burqa in private, i.e. at home or in a shrine. The garment has its roots in the historical territory of Pashtunistan (part of Afghanistan and Pakistan).
There are several Islamic sects that consider the wearing of the burqa by women in public as an obligation, under the threat of harsh punishments - most often called for by more radical groups, such as the Taliban in Afghanistan. It is also worn in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
In some Western countries, however, burqas are banned, most commonly due to the fact that it is difficult to identify a veiled person. Concerns about possible terrorist attacks in Europe also played a role.
Niqab
Among the most famous Muslim veils are the one-piece or two-piece niqab. It is usually black and covers the whole body except for the area around the eyes - unlike the burka, it does not have a grid. Some variants, which are worn for example in the cities of the Arabian Peninsula, leave the forehead uncovered, or are combined with a face veil.
In the case of a two-piece niqab, this term refers more to the veil over the head, and together with it, women wear an abaya, which is a garment that covers the rest of the body.
The same problem applies here as with the burka. Countries such as Denmark, Austria or Belgium already banned face coverings in public years ago. Islamic scholars and scientists themselves cannot agree on the extent to which the wearing of the niqab (i.e. the burqa) should be compulsory.
Chador
Under the chador, one can imagine a long and flowing dress that covers the entire body from head to ankles except for the face. It is produced in black or dark blue. The chador is worn mainly by Shiite Muslim women in Iran, where it is mandatory when entering a mosque. It also gained popularity in Afghanistan and other countries that have historical roots in Persian culture.
Hijab
Hijab generally refers to the covering or veil required by the Muslim faith, but the form itself varies from culture to culture. Currently, people most often think of a Muslim headscarf under the hijab, which covers the hair, ears and neck. It is probably the most common form of head covering for women, which is also often used by tourists, whether out of obligation or not.
The hijab is quite popular in, for example, Malaysia or Indonesia, i.e. in Asian countries with the largest Muslim community, but at the same time relatively mild rules for veiling. It is also worn in countries where head covering is not compulsory for religious reasons. In Europe, the word hijab is very commonly confused with burkas, niqabs or other forms of veiling, and the reverse is also true.
Burkiny
The term burkini is an elastic female swimsuit that covers the entire body, including the hair. The facial part is exposed. It is a combination of the words burqa and bikini, because they reveal the minimum, burkinis meet religious requirements in most Muslim countries. However, even this piece of swimwear has become the target of controversy - it was banned in some French resorts, but some restrictions were subsequently lifted by the local courts.
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