Different ways to cover the female body

It is stated in the Quran that it is obligatory for women to cover their heads and body. This is done to maintain modesty and privacy from non-mahram (unrelated) males.

In Chapter 24 of the Quran, Surah An-Nur verse 30 depicts the covering of women as “...and not display their beauty except what is apparent, and they should place their khumur over their bosoms...”

A khumur can be interpreted as either a veil or a headscarf. This leads to the different ways Muslim women choose to veil themselves.

Some women wear hijabs (a common term for veils), a head cover that is worn by wrapping a shawl tightly around the head and placing it so it covers the bosom or wearing a two-piece veil called an al-amira which consists of a close-fitting cap, usually made from cotton or polyester, and a tube-like scarf that covers their head and neck.

A niqab is a veil that covers the woman's face leaving only her eyes visible. This can come with her hijab or be tied as a separate item onto her face. A burqa is a one piece veil that covers the entire face and body, with mesh material around the eyes for vision.

Along with veils they wear an Abaya, which is a loose fitting garment like a robe. Traditionally it is made in black, as women are not supposed to draw attention to themselves, nor reveal the shape of their body. However, due to modernisation and in different cultures, abayas have become more colourful and sometimes have patterns and embellishments.