Veiled Women Clothing rules in the Middle East

There is no one single rule regarding women in the Middle East and their clothing. They vary from one country to the next. The clothing rules are not even consistent within a given country. Often, the old traditional rules are followed closely in small country villages, but in the big cities it is a matter of choice. In some countries, women cover up by simply wearing a scarf on their head. In other countries women must be completely covered. The Koran does not clearly define how women should dress. Over time, it has been interpreted in different ways in different places.

All of these clothing rules come from the belief that parts of a woman’s body should not be seen by a man to whom she is not closely related. So these clothing rules are not followed at home, but only when she is in the public view.

Least Restrictive The Hijab Simple head covering. Any color or patterned scarf.

Hijab -Pakistan

Hijab - Africa

Chador Iran Face and hands exposed. Always black

In Iran, the chador is part of a baggy body covering which goes all the way to the ground.

Nikab Two-part veil leaving eyes exposed. Whole body covered.

Burka Afghanistan Nothing exposed

What about men? Most men also follow vague religious guidelines to cover their head. These also vary by region. The requirements are not as strict as with the women.

In Arab countries, men wear the Keffiyah.

Skullcap or Taqihah

Fez

Turban