General Background and Styles

Styles of veiling depend on area and meaning, three common types are shown above.

Left to right definitions:

Hijab; The hijab is a headscarf that usually is worn by Muslim women for religious reasons. The word hijab is derived from from the Arabic word meaning veil. The scarves are seen as a symbol for womanhood and religion. They come in a variety of colors and styles. In the West, the most common style worn is a square scarf that covers the head and kneck but leaves the face visible.

Chador; The chador is common in Iran and is used to enable women to enter public space. It is a large shawl that covers the hair and entire body, and is often accompanied by a headscarf underneath.

Burqa; The burka is considered the most conservative choice of veils being that it is the most concealing. It is a large robe that covers the entire body, including the head and face, with a mesh covering over the eyes, so its wearer can see and breathe. The burqa is most commonly associated with Afghanistan today.

Veil type and color can tell a lot about it's wearer, for example different styles can indicate where they are from, tribal association, status/rank, the event they are attending such as a wedding or funeral, marital status, and so on. Also, the color, the way it is worn, and how decorative it is, are all forms of expressing cultural identity and self-expression in Muslim society. For example, the color red on the veil is known by many cultures to divert the evil eye.

Generally, the veil is worn out of religious conviction because the Qur'an calls for it. This is shown in the two passages below. Also, the law of hijab is a mandatory code for women to veil in public in parts of the Middle East. Failure to comply can result in imprisonment, harassment or physical punishment.

"O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing womento draw their outer garments around them (when they go out or are among men). That is better in order that they may be known (to beMuslims) and not annoyed..."(Quran 33:59)

"Say to the believing man that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that will make for greater purity for them; and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; and that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands..."(Quran 24:30-31)


I believe veiling for some Muslim women should be consider as typical as American women wearing a shirt or blouse. It has become part of their life. I believe many or most Muslim women would choose to wear the veil even if they weren't required to. Religions have a way of taking over your life; or integrating itself into culture. Like clergy members wear particular clothing to distinguish themselves from society or how orthodox jews will only eat certain meats; I believe it is more of a choice because their religion calls for it.

Citation:
Shirazi, Faegheh. "The Veil Unveiled." 30 April 2008.
http://www.utexas.edu/features/archive/2002/veil.html

Pictures: http://www.skidmore.edu/academics/arthistory/ah369/finalveil.htm