The niqab and burqa are traditional Islamic face coverings worn for modesty. The niqab covers the face, while the burqa covers the entire body. Muslim women wear them to conform to Islamic teachings, while non-Muslim women may wear them due to local laws. The necessity of the facial covering is debated among Muslim scholars.
Both the niqab and the burqa are traditional types of face coverings worn by those who wish to adhere to Islamic standards of modesty. There are significant differences between a niqab and burqa. A niqab is a face veil that is often tied to a woman’s head through the use of cords or attached to the head. A burqa, on the other hand, is draped over the head and covers not only a woman’s face and head, but most of her body as well.
Muslim women wear the niqab and burqa as a way to conform to some Islamic teachings on modesty for women or local customs. Additionally, non-Muslim women may wear a niqab or burqa in countries where the law requires all women to do so. The decision to wear a niqab and burqa is sometimes dictated by cultural practices. In Pakistan and Afghanistan, for example, burqas are more commonly worn, while in Saudi Arabia, women are more likely to cover their faces with a niqab.
An important distinction between the niqab and the burqa is the covering of a woman’s eyes. A niqab generally leaves a woman’s eyes uncovered. A woman may choose to wear a half niqab, which covers the lower half of the face but leaves the eyes and forehead uncovered, or a full niqab, which covers the entire face but has slits for the eyes. However, some niqabs include a separate veil that covers a woman’s eyes, although she may be able to lift this veil so that she can enjoy better vision when necessary and appropriate. A burqa, on the other hand, completely covers the eyes and is designed with a woven mesh panel at eye level so that a woman can see through.
The other distinction between a niqab and a burqa is the amount of coverage each garment provides. A niqab usually covers only the face or part of the face, although it can be extended to provide some coverage of the neck and chest as well. The burqa is a long garment that covers the head, face and torso. It can even extend past a woman’s knees. Under the burqa, a woman would wear pants or a long skirt to keep her legs covered.
There is some doubt among Muslim scholars about the necessity of the facial covering provided by the niqab and burqa. Some argue that Islam does not require face coverings and reflects pre-Islamic cultural practices. Others hold that this level of modesty is required of women or is at least a desirable practice.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
