How Countries Around the World Regulate Islamic Head Coverings
Dec 11, 2024
Islamic head coverings represent a spectrum of garments, each with its own cultural and religious significance. The hijab, perhaps the most common, covers the hair and neck while leaving the face visible. It’s worn daily by millions of women worldwide, from university students to professional athletes. In fact, Nike’s introduction of the Pro Hijab in 2017 led to a 125% increase in women’s participation in sports in the Middle East.
The burqa and niqab represent more comprehensive coverage. The burqa, typically blue in Afghanistan and black in other regions, covers the entire body, including a mesh screen over the eyes. The niqab, while similar, leaves a slit for the eyes and is more common in Gulf countries.
