Abaya and hijab are two different types of Islamic dress for women. While they share some similarities, there are key differences between the two garments.
What is Abaya?
The abaya is a long, loose over-garment worn by some Muslim women. It covers the whole body except the head, feet, and hands. The abaya is commonly black in color but can also come in other colors, fabrics, and designs.
The abaya originated in the Arabian Peninsula and is commonly worn by women across the Middle East, North Africa, and the Arabian Gulf regions. It is the traditional Muslim dress for women in these regions.
The key features of the abaya are:
- Loose and flowing in style.
- Covers the whole body from neck to feet.
- Usually has long sleeves.
- Often comes with a matching headscarf called shayla.
- Commonly black but can be in other colors.
- Made of different fabrics like cotton, georgette, satin etc.
- Can be plain, embroidered, embellished with sequins etc.
- Worn over regular clothes underneath.
The abaya is considered a symbol of modesty in Islam. It is meant to conceal a woman’s beauty and figure from strangers.
What is Hijab?
The hijab refers to the practice of covering the head and chest by Muslim women. The most common hijab garment is a headscarf that covers the head, neck, and chest.
The terms hijab, khimar, and jilbab are often used interchangeably, though they have subtle differences. Hijab refers to the overall act of covering, while khimar and jilbab refer to particular headscarf styles.
Some key features of the hijab are:
- Covers the head, neck, and chest.
- Worn over the hair and tucked under the chin.
- Length and style varies – short scarf, long scarf etc.
- Can be wrapped, pinned or tied in different ways.
- Usually paired with modest, loose clothing.
- Made from various fabrics – cotton, chiffon, jersey etc.
- Different colors and patterns are common.
The hijab serves as a symbol of modesty, privacy, and morality. Many Muslim women view it as a way to be identified as a Muslim woman.
Differences Between Abaya and Hijab
While the abaya and hijab both promote modesty in Islam, they are quite distinct from each other.
Here are the key differences between abaya and hijab:
| Abaya | Hijab |
|---|---|
| Loose over-garment that covers full body except face and hands. | Headscarf that covers head, neck and chest. |
| Worn over regular clothes. | Worn with modest clothing that covers rest of body. |
| Long sleeves, floor length. | Length varies, short to long. |
| Black is most common color. | Many colors and patterns. |
| Originated in Gulf region. | Common among Muslims globally. |
Some key points of difference:
- The abaya covers the full length of the body whereas the hijab only covers the hair, neck and chest.
- Abaya is always worn over regular clothes, while hijab is accompanied by a modest dress covering the rest of the body.
- Abaya comes in black whereas the hijab can be found in many colors and patterns.
- The abaya originated from the Gulf region, the hijab is commonly worn by Muslim women globally.
- Many Muslim women wear both the abaya and hijab together.
Purpose and Significance
Both the abaya and hijab hold cultural and religious significance for Muslim women.
Purpose of Abaya
- Covers and conceals body shape.
- Symbol of modesty and privacy.
- Represents Islamic faith and practice.
- Provides respect – not judged for physical beauty.
- Protects from sun, dust, heat etc when outdoors.
- Required dress code in some Muslim countries.
Purpose of Hijab
- Covers hair, neck and chest from strangers.
- Shows modesty, humility, privacy.
- Part of Muslim identity for women.
- Represents devotion to faith.
- Protection and respect for women.
- Not judged by physical attributes.
The abaya and hijab remind Muslim women of their religious duties and provide them respect in society. Both are seen as symbols of a woman’s devotion to her faith and not being judged for physical beauty.
Are Abaya and Hijab Mandatory in Islam?
There is some debate around whether abaya and hijab are religious requirements or cultural dress in Islam. Here is a brief look at some perspectives:
Views that Abaya is Mandatory
- The Quran instructs women to cover themselves with outer garments.
- Covering the body is part of modest dress for Muslim women.
- It was traditionally worn by Muslim women in Arabia for centuries.
- Required by law for women in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations.
Views that Abaya is Not Obligatory
- The Quran does not specifically mention the abaya.
- It is mainly a cultural dress adopted in some Muslim countries.
- Muslim women can fulfill modesty by covering up in any loose outfit.
- Many Muslim women worldwide do not wear abaya.
Views that Hijab is Mandatory
- Quran instructs women to cover chest with headscarves.
- Part of Islamic law requiring modest dress.
- Seen as religious duty and form of worship.
- Required by law for women in Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Views that Hijab is Not Obligatory
- Some argue Quran verses are subject to interpretation.
- Head covering is influenced by historical culture.
- Many Muslim women do not wear hijab out of personal choice.
- Hijab is considered a symbol, not strict requirement by some.
There are reasonable views on both sides of this debate within the Muslim community. Scholars differ in their interpretations of Islamic texts on this subject. Many consider the hijab and abaya more of a voluntary religious and cultural practice, not a strict requirement of the faith.
Modern Style and Fashion
While traditional plain black abayas and hijabs are still common, modern fashion has opened up new trends and styles while retaining modesty.
Abaya Fashion Trends
- Colorful abayas – pastels, prints, embellishments.
- Mixing fabrics like chiffon, georgette, lace.
- Intricate embroidery and beadwork.
- Adding embellishments like crystals, pearls, sequins.
- Styles like off-shoulder, belted, asymmetrical.
- Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, silk.
Hijab Fashion Trends
- Stylish colors, patterns, prints.
- Mixing fabrics like chiffon, jersey, satin.
- Trendy wrapping and tying styles.
- Mixing headscarves with western wear.
- Pinning with brooches, jewelry.
- Layering scarves.
Modern abayas and hijabs allow women to express their personal style without compromising religious beliefs and values of modesty.
Controversies and Bans
Despite being seen as empowering by many Muslim women, abayas and hijabs have caused controversies in some countries, resulting in legal bans.
Abaya Controversies
- Seen as symbol of oppression of women by some.
- Banned in public places in some secular Muslim countries like Turkey, Tunisia.
- Criticized as security risk as it hides identity.
- Some countries ban face coverings like niqab and burqa, not abaya.
- Style and color restrictions in more conservative countries.
Hijab Controversies
- Perceived to restrict women’s freedom by some critics.
- Banned in public schools in France and some European countries.
- Bans on face covering affect niqab and burqa more than hijab.
- Hijab ban controversies in sports like football, boxing, basketball.
- Seen as political symbol of Islamism by some governments.
These controversies have sparked much debate between principles of secularism, security, women’s rights and religious freedom regarding the hijab and abaya.
Conclusion
In summary, the abaya and hijab have key differences even as they share a common goal of modesty. The abaya is designed to cover the full body while the hijab covers the hair, neck and chest. The abaya is mandatory attire in some Gulf countries while hijab is more widely worn by Muslim women globally. Fashion has opened new styles and trends for both that retain their identity. While banned in some countries, most Muslim women consider their choice of dress as empowering and positive.