Ask A Muslim: Rules about wearing a hijab

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By Naghmana Ahmed-Sherazi

Are there rules about how a woman must wear a hijab? Like, does it need to cover the neck and/or face? Do certain styles or colors matter?

Very shortly put: it is down to personal choice. A hijab is a veil or head covering worn by some Muslim women; it is worn when in the presence of unknown or known males who are other than a husband, father, son, step-son, grandfather, father-in-law, nephew or son-in-law. Having said that, a hijab is more than just a headdress. It signifies the wearer’s commitment to self, religion and philosophy of faith. Women who don the hijab say they find it liberating, and that it allows them to be themselves. 

The Quran refers to the hijab as a metaphorical curtain or partition, and there are many types of hijab. The first most commonly worn is a square scarf that covers the head and neck, but leaves the face bare – this is called the hijab. The khimar, is a long almost cape like scarf that wraps around the head and then is left hanging in the middle of the back. It covers the head and neck, but leaves the face bare. A chador is basically a long cloak that would cover the entire body; it wraps around the head and drapes all the way down to the feet. A niqaab is worn in conjunction with a khimar or hijab, covers the mouth and nose but leaves the eyes open/clear. A burqa covers the entire head and body, and has a mesh screen through which the woman wearing it, can see.

Women wear the hijab as a choice. It is not a sign of oppression and they are not forced to wear it. Some wear it in deference of family traditions and because they are ‘expected’ to wear it, however, it is a choice. Most women wear it because they believe they are fulfilling God’s commandment for donning modest clothing. They choose to wear it as a personal statement – whatever that may be. Some women wear it as a cultural identity, and others for religious reasons.

As far as I could research, there are no specific rules about how a woman should wear a hijab. So long as it covers her hair and is worn modestly, styles and colors are down to personal choice, and often times change with every outfit.

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