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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.
Nomenclature
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)
Uses
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.
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.
Forms
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.
- 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.
Some prostitutes in Islamic countries also use niqāb as a way of hiding their identity when they come or go to their job.
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.*
See also
External links
- http://www.muhajabah.com/niqab-index.htm
- http://www.islamicgarden.com/page1071.html
"Niqab"