Niqab
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Woman wearing a scarf wrapped around her head and face as a niqāb, a popular style in the Levant region. |
A
niqāb is a
veil which covers the face, worn by some
Muslim women as a part of sartorial
hijāb. It is popular in the Middle East but it can also be found in North Africa, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
Women who wear the niqāb are often called
niqābī; this word is used both as a noun and as an adjective. However, some prefer the participial form
munaqaba (plural
munaqabāt) as "niqabi" may be used in a derogatory manner (much as with "hijabi" versus
muhajaba)
It has been suggested that the practice of wearing a veil - uncommon among the Arab tribes prior to the rise of Islam - originated in the Byzantine Empire, and then spread among the Arabs. Veils similar to the niqab existed in Greece, the Byzantine Empire, and Persia. The niqab became common in the second century of Islam. [
1]
The niqāb originated with the need for protection in the harsh desert conditions of Arabia. Its primary use by modern Muslim women is modesty: to keep non-
mahram men (those who are not one's father, brother, husband or other intimate relation) from seeing a Muslim woman's face. Niqab is meant to protect women from the sexual desires of men. [
2]
The niqāb is regarded differently by the various
maðāhab (schools of Islamic jurisprudence). Some see it as
fard (obligatory) or
mustahab (recommended); others discourage its use and say it should not be worn if it could cause danger to the wearer.
Some prostitutes in Islamic countries also use niqāb as a way of hiding their identity when they come or go to their job.[
3]
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Yemeni woman wearing niqab |
There are innumerable styles of
niqāb and other facial veils worn by Muslim women around the world. There are two very common forms which are found all over the world:
#The "half
niqāb" is a simple length of fabric with elastic or ties and is worn around the head. This typically leaves the eyes, and occasionally the forehead, visible.#The "full" or "gulf-style
niqāb" is a total face cover. It has a upper band that is tied around the forehead and then had a long wide piece attached which covers the face and an opening for the eyes. Many also have a second or more sheer covers that are attached to the upper band and worn flipped down to cover the eyes.
Other less common and more cultural or national forms of niqāb are as follows:#The "Afghani" style
burqa, a long pleated gown that goes from the head to the feet with a small crocheted grill over the face. Contrary to popular belief, the
burqa is limited solely to Afghanistan and certain areas of Pakistan, although there are modified forms in Kashmir and amongst Afghani refugees; the vast majority of
munaqabāt do not wear this item.#The
Pak Chadar, a unique innovation from Pakistan that is a triangle scarf with two additional pieces. A thin band on one edge is tied behind the head so as to keep the chadar on, and then another larger rectangular piece is attached to one end of the triangle and this is worn over the face.#The simple
hijāb wrapped, pinned or tied in a certain way so as to also cover the wearer's face.
Other common styles of clothing popularly worn with a
niqāb in Western countries include:#The
khimar, a semi-circular flair of fabric with an opening for the face, usually bust-level or longer worn with the
niqāb. It is considered a fairly easy form of headscarf to wear as there are no pins or fasteners; it is simply pulled over the head.#Gloves. Many
munaqabāt feel that gloves are a necessity when wearing
niqāb so no part of the skin is visible.
Most
munaqabāt also wear an overgarment (
jilbab,
abaya etc.) over their clothing.
The niqab has had a significant role for women in the West Bank during the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Many Palestinian women, especially students, have worn white niqabs during protests of Israel's actions.[
4][
5]These women often wear green banners with Arabic messages in them. Female candidates from the
Hamas party in the 2006
Palestinian parliamentary elections campaigned in niqabis, even in photographs. [
6]
Sultaana Freeman gained national attention in 2003 when she sued the state of Florida for the right to wear a niqab for her driver's license photo.[
7]. However, a Florida appellate court ruled that there was no violation in requiring her to show her face. In 2005, a non-Muslim student at Eastern Michigan University spent a semester wearing a niqab (although she incorrectly called it a burqa). Her experience showed that Muslim dress is disapproved of in the United States.[
8]
*
Burqa*
Hijab*
External Hijab*
Niqab Page*
The Islamic Garden - Niqab: The Face Veil*
Niqab and Niqaabis*
Niqaab in the light of Qu'ran*
Niqab (Affixed Veil)*
The Obligation of Veiling*
Niqab is Not Required*
It is not obligatory for the Muslim woman to cover her face*
The Niqaab Club. A Yahoo Group for muslimahs who wear niqabs.
