DRESS:

Dress means to put on clothes, for example we say, "we had to dress quickly"; "dress the patient";
"Can the child dress by herself?. According to another definition dress means to dress in a certain manner for example we say, "She dresses in the latest Paris fashion"; "he dressed up in a suit and tie".

ISLAMIC TEACHINGS ON DRESS:

Islam gives guidance about all aspects of life, including matters of public decency. Islam has no fixed standard as to the style of dress or type of clothing that Muslims must wear. However, some minimum requirements must be met. Islam has two sources for guidance and rulings: the Qur'an which is the revealed word of ALLAH, and the Hadith or traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) , who serves as a human role model and guide. 1st Requirement: What parts of the body are to be covered: The first bit of guidance given in Islam describes the parts of the body which must be covered in public. For women: In general, standards of modesty call for a woman to cover her body, particularly her chest. The Qur'an calls for women to "draw their coverings over their chests," and the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) instructed believing women to cover their bodies except for their face and hands. Most Muslims interpret this to require head coverings for women. Some Muslim women cover the entire body, including the face and/or hands. For men: The minimum amount to be covered is between the navel and the knee.

2nd Requirement: Looseness: Islam also guides that clothing must be loose enough so as not to outline or distinguish the shape of the body. Skin-tight, body-hugging clothes are out, for both men and women. When in public, some women wear a cloak over their personal clothing as a convenient way to "hide their curves." In many predominantly Muslim countries, men's traditional dress is somewhat like a loose robe, covering from the neck to the ankles. 3rd Requirement: Thickness: The Prophet Muhammad once warned that in later generations, there would be people "who are dressed yet naked." See-through clothing is not modest, for either men or women. The clothing must be thick enough so that the color of the skin it covers is not visible, nor the shape of the body 4th Requirement: Overall appearance: The overall appearance of a person should be dignified and modest. Shiny, flashy clothing may technically meet the above requirements, but defeat the purpose of overall modesty. 5th Requirement: Not imitating others: Islam encourages people to be proud of who they are. Muslims should look like Muslims, and not like mere imitations of people of other faiths around them. Women should be proud of their femininity and not dress like men. Men should be proud of their masculinity and not try to imitate women in their dress. For this reason, Muslim men are forbidden from wearing gold or silk, as these are considered feminine accessories.

6th Requirement: Decent but not flashy: The Qur'an describes that clothing is meant to cover our private areas, and be an adornment (Qur'an 7:26). Clothing worn by Muslims should be clean and decent, neither excessively fancy nor ragged. One should not dress in order to gain the admiration or sympathy of others. Beyond the Clothing: Behaviors and Manners: Islamic clothing is one aspect of modesty. More importantly, one must be modest in behavior, manners, speech and appearance in public. Dress is only one aspect of the total being, and merely reflects what is present on the inside of a person's heart. Colors and Styles: While Islam outlines a code of modesty, it does not command a certain style, color, or fabric. The range of clothing you find among Muslims is a sign of the great diversity among the Muslim community. Many Muslims choose to dress in conservative earth-tone colors such as green, blue, gray, as well as the usual black and white. Beyond this, there are no specific meanings behind the choice of color. Some colors or clothing styles are more common in certain parts of the world, based on local tradition. The Noble Quran defines the dress code for both men and women. But as it ought to be, dress code for women is more detailed because a woman's body is made as such that it attracts greater attention with improper intent. This factor can neither be denied nor overlooked. Therefore both men and women are either directly commanded by Allah or commanded by Allah through the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.A.W.) in the Quran to adhere to modesty by not gazing or staring at people around them and by covering up their bodies with decency. In my personal opinion, I would interpret 'modesty' for men as not showing the body above their thighs, and concealing their lower chest and backs. For women I would interpret it as adhering to modesty similarly as mentioned for men, plus, not exposing their bare arms,

covering the entire chest below the neck (some may consider it necessary to conceal the neck as well), covering the entire back, thighs and legs upto the center of the calves or some may consider it necessary to cover legs in full.
Women must either wear the loose outer garment over their regular clothes (jilbab). They must make sure that these garments are loose so that they don't reveal the contours of the body, and of course, the garments must not be made of even the slightest see-through materials.

The above dress code and etiquettes must be adhered to by believing men and women as per the commandments of ALLAH. Also, women in particular should take care not to do things that might attract unnecessary attention to their person e.g. walking noisily by purposely stamping their feet or by wearing noisy shoes. Sometimes such attention maybe be harmless. But at times it can attract the attention of people harboring Haram intents. The purpose of this commandment is to stay safe and not take any chances of making mistakes by getting involved with the wrong persons. Check the following verses for references. "Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is Aware {Al-Khabir} of what they do." (24:30) "And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers ...... And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that you may succeed." (24:31) "O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them (when they go abroad). That will be better, that so they may be recognized and not annoyed. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful." (33:59) Finally, we come to the issue of the veil (head covering) or hijab and face covering or nikab for women. This too can be discussed by taking into consideration the above verses. Even many of those people who have read the Quran often say that the Quran does not mention anything about the hijab or nikab. Many Muslims and non-Muslims claim that the Quran does not require women to wear veils. But this claim is debatable if we read the above verses of the Noble Quran carefully.

Allah Almighty says " ..... to draw their veils over their bosoms" If we try to understand the dress code of women as existed hundreds of years ago and even now in many parts of the world, we will observe that the veil or hijab or khimar mean the same. A piece of the veil (or khimar in Arabic) would be attached to the larger headcover, folded and placed over the head, and it could be unfolded and pulled down across the face and over the bosom whenever desired. Thus, the veil or khimar would serve the purpose of a head cover (hijab), a face cover (nikab) and also a covering over the bosom. By the way, it must be understood that veil (or hijab) has nothing to do with any strict seclusion of women as some non-Muslims misinterpret in connection with the hijab and nikab on the basis of certain incorrect practices by hardliners and cultures borrowed from ancient / orthodox Christian and Jewish ideologies of their clergy.

As mentioned, many Muslim and non-Muslim analysts strongly deny that the Quran requires women to wear head coverings nor face coverings. Not to mention, political factors are also a motive behind such squabbling. Similarly, Muslim traditionalists strongly affirm that the Quran does require the same. The truth is that yes the Quran does command women to cover their heads and bosom, and in certain circumstances also to cover their faces. The verses above are clear evidences of this fact. The social circumstances in Arabia and many parts of the world necessitated this dress code. Even today in many parts of the world it's necessary. But if those Muslims living in the West consider that simply wearing modest, loose and unrevealing clothing is enough to make them look and feel modest, that too is fine from the Quran's rational view point. We must remember that this commandment of the Noble Quran on dress code of women is essential for specific circumstances, and can also be adjusted by staying within the required limits in certain societies as in today's West.
As Musims its important for us to keep in mind the ideology of modesty as aptly fits into the society we live in, but only to the point it comfortably complies with the Quranic values. Also, it's just as vital as per the dictates of the Noble Quran to nurture a clean & modest intent and decent behaviour which compliment and support the ideology of the modest dress code, without which, modest clothing might not carry too many blessings for us in the Sight of Allah Almighty. Thus the Noble Quran says:

"O Children of Adam! We have revealed unto you raiment to conceal your shame, and

splendid vesture, but the raiment of restraint from evil, that is best. This is of the revelations of Allah, that they may remember." (7:26) Al-Araaf

Thus, Allah Almighty makes it very plain that though He has informed humankind the importance to conceal their shame and observe modesty by wearing the right kind of clothes, yet what's even more important without which modesty of outer garments won't serve any purpose, is to adhere to proper conduct and avoid the forbidden acts through restraint and self-control.

HIJAB
The word "hijab" or "ijb" refers to both the head covering traditionally worn by Muslim women and modest Muslim styles of dress in general. The Arabic word literally means curtain or cover (noun). Most Islamic legal systems define this type of modest dressing as covering everything except the face and hands in public. According to Islamic scholarship, hijab is given the wider meaning of modesty, privacy, and morality. Literally, the word hijab means "curtain". In the Quran the term hijab is not used as a reference to womens clothing; rather, it was the screen behind which the Muslims were told to address the Prophets wives. (The term is also used to describe the "screen" separating God from Moses, as he received divine revelation.) When the Prophets wives went out, the screen consisted of a veil over their face. It does not appear that covering the face was adopted by the other Muslim women at the time since it was a special injunction for the Prophets wives as is clear in the verses below: And (as for the Prophets wives) when you ask for anything you want (or need), ask them from behind a hijab (screen), that makes for greater purity of your hearts. (33:53)

O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any of the (other) women: If you do fear (God) be not too complaisant of speech, lest one in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire: but speak with a speech (that is) just. (33:32) Among Muslims today, hijab refers to the head scarf worn by many women. It is a term used to distinguish between women who cover their hair (muhajabat) and those who do not, even if the rest of their clothes are equally modest. Finally, the Quran also talks about our clothing as something both to cover our nakedness and serve as an adornment, reflecting the beauty of ALLAHs creation. But, as in the verses above, it is behavior and attitude that are most important. Regardless of how we dress, we must have faith and taqwa: O you Children of Adam! We have bestowed libasan (clothing or raiment) on you to cover your nakedness and as a thing of beauty. But the raiment of righteousness (taqwa), that is the best. Such are the signs of God, that they may receive admonition. (7:26) O Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel (zeenah) at every time and place of prayer: eat and drink: but waste not by excess, for God loves not the wasters. (7:31) Narrated Anas ibn Malik: "I know (about) the Hijab (the order of veiling of women) more than anybody else. Ubay ibn Ka'b used to ask me about it. Allah's Apostle became the bridegroom of Zaynab bint Jahsh whom he married at Medina. After the sun had risen high in the sky, the Prophet invited the people to a meal. Allah's Apostle remained sitting and some people remained sitting with him after the other guests had left. Then Allah's Apostle got up and went away, and I too, followed him till he reached the door of 'Aisha's room. Then he thought that the people must have left the place by then, so he returned and I also returned with him. Behold, the people were still sitting at their places. So he went back again for the second time, and I went along with him too. When we reached the door of 'Aisha's room, he returned and I also returned with him to see that the people had left. Thereupon the

Prophet hung a curtain between me and him and the Verse regarding the order for (veiling of women) Hijab was revealed." Sahih al-Bukhari, 7:65:375, Sahih Muslim, 8:3334 Narrated Safiya bint Shaiba: "Aisha used to say: 'When (the Verse): "They should draw their veils (Khumur) over their necks and bosoms (juyyub)," was revealed, (the ladies) cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their faces with the cut pieces.'" Sahih al-Bukhari, 6:60:282, 32:4091.

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HOW MODESTY IS INCORPORATED INTO THE ISLAMIC DRESS CODE FOR MEN:
Do you know that Muslim men also have a dress code? Many people forget that there are also restrictions in Muslim men's clothing. In Islam both men and women are told by Allah to dress modestly. Clothing restrictions are not only for Muslim women. The media has made much about clothing restrictions on women, and lately the hijab in particular has come under much scrutiny as being "scary". However, contrary to popular belief among many non-Muslims, Muslim men also have a dress code to follow. Men should be as modest in their appearance as women. All Muslims, whether they be male or female should try to blend in and not draw attention to themselves. Additionally Muslim men should also wear clothing that is loose fitting enough that all parts of the body are concealed and show the bare minimum of their skin. Neither Muslim men nor women wear shorts as many people in the western world do. It is forbidden in their religion as they must conceal themselves. While praying in a mosque, clothing should be plain and not be distracting. The Quran tells men that they should not wear silk or gold jewelry to show off their wealth. Clothing should not attract attention or be worn to show off. In addition, it is recommended that Muslim

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men wear a beard, no longer than a fist length and keep their hair managed and neat, When praying they should cover their heads with a kufi (mens hat) or a turban. It is recommended that a Tunic or Long Shirt be worn. Typical clothing for men are long gowns (known as jelbabs or thobes) or a salwar kameez, which is a loose long shirt worn with loose fitting pants. Fabric restrictions are also in place for Islamic men. Wearing of Silk and saffron colored clothing is forbidden for men only. Where Islamic women can wear gold or silver jewelry, Gold jewelry is not permitted for Islamic men; they may however wear silver rings. Dress restrictions are in place not just for women, men have them too. So in answer to the question do you know that Muslim men also have a dress code? Yes they most definitely do. Islam does not restrict only women in their dress, men are restricted also. It is in place for the self protection of all Muslims so they are respected and not seen as sex symbols and may therefore be taken seriously in society. And there is nothing wrong or "scary" about it. These restrictions have been in place for centuries.
Hijab applies to Muslim men as much as women. These requirements to cover differ from women, but the rationale for Hijab is to fortify modesty between the sexes. Hijab is often associated with Muslim women the full dress code for a Muslim woman. Some may find it surprising to know that Muslim men are also required to observe Hijab. The conditions of a man's Hijab differs from a woman's due to the biological, physiological and physical differences between the genders. Here is what the Muslim man's Hijab must entail.

THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF A MAN'S HIJAB:

Islam dictates that a Muslim man's basic Hijab is the covering of his body from belly-button to below the knee. Though this sounds like a rather sparse and loose definition of modesty, there are pertinent reasons as to this ruling. Men are required to work in Islam, unlike

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women, who are given the choice to earn their own income or not. Men are required to support their families financially regardless of their level of education or background. With this ruling, it is inevitable that most of those who find employment as construction workers, farmers, or in other blue-collar jobs would be men. In some cases, these workers spend most of their time under the hot sun or in extremely dry weather. This provision, the covering of the abdomen to the knee, is the basic requirement that they should observe this serves as Hijab between themselves.
The Muslim Man in the Presence of the Opposite Gender

Ideally women should not be exposed to harsh terrains in search of employment. Should they be in the presence of the opposite gender while working outdoors, Muslim men should remember to observe the basic Hijab requirement in front of marriageable women, and preferably to cover up more. However, in a social setting or if both men and women work indoors, the definition of Hijab for men becomes wider to endorse and fortify the concept of modesty. Just like women, men should wear loose, long and non-transparent clothing so as not to attract attention from the opposite gender to their physical appearance. Men are not required to cover their hair, but many Muslim men do, with turbans or keffiyahs. Scholars have agreed that it would be befitting for a Muslim man to wear long trousers and longersleeved shirts when in the presence of women whom they may marry. "Less is More" is the golden rule for Hijab. Men should also avoid dressing like women.
Cultural Muslim Men Attire

Popular attire worn by Muslim men around the world include thobes or dishdashs; these are long shirts that sometimes reach down to the ankles. Bishts or abayas are robe-like apparel that cover the whole body. Sirwal or sokoto are baggy trousers usually worn under a thobe.

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These are apparel that are influenced by culture and are not ordained by Islam. The religion itself allows both Muslim men and women to wear clothes of their choice provided they comply with the tenets of modesty.
The Muslim Man Must Honour His Muslim Sisters' Hijab

A Muslim man, besides observing his Hijab, must also honour the Hijab worn by Muslim women. He should behave appropriately in the presence of the opposite gender, and observe modesty at all times. A Muslim man should never objectify a woman or be condescending or rude towards her. Similarly, his social interaction with a marriageable Muslim woman should only be carried out on a professional level to avoid any unwarranted temptation.

DRESS FOR PILGRIMAGE/HAJJ:

During the Hajj, male pilgrims are required to dress only in the ihram, a garment consisting of two sheets of white unhemmed cloth, with the top draped over the torso and the bottom secured by a white sash; plus a pair of sandals. Women are simply required to maintain their hijab - normal modest dress, which does not cover the hands or face. (Mohamed, Mamdouh N. (1996). Hajj to Umrah: From A to Z. Amana Publications) The Ihram is meant to show equality of all pilgrims in the eyes of ALLAH: that there is no difference between a prince and a pauper. Ihram is also symbolic for holy virtue and pardon from all past sins. A place designated for changing into Ihram is called a miqat ( like Zu 'l-Hulafa, Juhfa, Qarnu 'l-Manzil, Yalamlam, Zt-i-'Irq, Ibrahm Mursa) While wearing the Ihram, a pilgrim may not shave, clip their nails, wear perfume, swear or quarrel, have sexual relations, uproot or damage plants, cover the head [for men] or the face and hands [for women], marry, wear shoes over the ankles, perform any dishonest acts or carry weapons.

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DRESS OF HAZRAT MUHAMMAD (S.A.W)

Dress
His(S.A.W) dress generally consisted of a shirt, tamad (trousers), a sheet thrown round the shoulders and a turban. On rare occasions, He (S.A.W) would put on costly robes presented to him(S.A.W) by foreign emissaries in the later part of his(S.A.W) life. [Ahmed, Musnad, Hafiz Bin Qayyim] His (S.A.W) blanket had several patches. [Tirmidhi] He(S.A.W) had very few spare clothes, but He(S.A.W) kept them spotlessly clean. [Bukhari] He(S.A.W) wanted others also to put on simple but clean clothes. Once He (S.A.W) saw a person putting on dirty clothes and remarked, "Why can't this man wash them." [Abu Dawood] On another occasion He (S.A.W) enquired of a person in dirty clothes whether he had any income. Upon getting a reply in the affirmative, He(S.A.W) observed, "When Allah has blessed you with His bounty, your appearance should reflect it." [Abu Dawood] He used to observe: "Cleanliness is piety."

THE PROPHET (S.A.W)'S MANNER OF DRESS

His(S.A.W) companions have handed down a great many details about the Prophet (S.A.W)'s manner of dress. In addition to these, the Prophet (S.A.W)'s advice to the believers about how they should dress reveal the importance he attached to this subject. For example, one hadith reports him as saying: "No one who has even an atom's-weight of pride in his heart will enter Paradise." A man asked him, "What if he likes his clothes and shoes to look good?" (Meaning, is this counted as pride?) The Prophet (S.A.W) said: "Allah is beautiful and loves beauty. Pride means denying the truth and looking down on other people. Sahih
Muslim Hadith

He regarded dressing well and looking good as a demonstration of the blessings of Allah:

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"Allah loves to see the result of His blessing on His creatures." Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Part 2,
Abridged by Sheikh Muhammad Nasib Ar- Rifai, Al-Firdous ltd., London, p.42

Jundub ibn Makith (R.A.) said: "Whenever a delegation came to meet the Messenger of Allah, he would wear his best clothes and order his leading Companions to do likewise. I saw the Prophet (S.A.W) on the day that the delegation of Kindah came to meet him; he was wearing a Yemeni garment, and Abu Bakr and 'Umar were dressed similarly." Tabaqat Hadith, Volume 4,
Number 346

Another hadith relates: "Eat what you like, and wear what you like provided that it is free from two things : extravagance and vainglory." Maulana Muhammad Manzoor No'mani, Ma'ariful Hadith,
(Meaning and Message of the Traditions), Darul - Ishaat Publications, Karachi, Volume III, 1652/287

The Prophet (S.A.W) would immediately warn any of his companions who were unkempt or failed to care for their appearance. One story on the subject is from 'Ata 'ibn Yassar (R.A.):
"The Messenger of Allah was in the mosque, when a man with unkempt hair and an untidy beard came in. The Prophet (S.A.W) pointed to him, as if indicating to him that he should tidy up his hair and beard. The man went and did so, then returned. The Prophet (S.A.W) said, 'Is this not better than that any one of you should come with unkempt hair?'" Malik's Muwatta, Kitab al-sha'r, bab islah al-sha'r, Volume 2, Number 949

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According to the hadith narrated by one of the companions of the Prophet (S.A.W), the Prophet (S.A.W) told his Companions, when they were travelling to meet some brothers in faith: "You are going to visit your brothers, so repair your saddles and make sure that you are dressed well, so that you will stand out among people like an adornment, for Allah does not love ugliness." Sunan Abu Dawud, Volume 4, Number 83 Some of the information that was conveyed through the inner circle of the Prophet (S.A.W) about his clothing are below: Umar (R.A) relates: "I saw the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) ask for a new garment. He put it on, and when it reached his knees he said, 'Praise be to Allah, Who has given me clothes with which to cover myself and make myself look beautiful in this life.'" Al-Targhib wa'l-Tarhib,
Volume 3, Number 93

Umm Salama (R.A) reports that: "The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) liked kurta (long shirt) most." Tirmidhi, Shamail-e-Tirmizi,
Kitab Bhavan Publication, New Delhi, 1997, p.47

Qurrah bin Ilyaas (R.A) describes: "I came with a group from the tribe of Muzeenah to pay allegiance to RASULULLAH (S.A.W). The button loop of RASULULLAH (S.A.W) was open." Shamaa-il Tirmidhi, Islamic
Book Service Publications, New Delhi, 2000, p. 61

Al-Bara' ibn 'Azib (R.A) states: "I have never seen someone with long hair and red clothing more handsome than RASULLULLAH (S.A.W). His hair reached his shoulders." Shamaa-il Tirmidhi, Islamic Book
Service Publications, New Delhi, 2000, p. 11

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Another report comes from Fazl ibn Abbas (R.A): "The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) said: 'Adopt white clothes; it is the best attire.' Tirmidhi,
Shamail-e-Tirmizi, Kitab Bhavan Publication, New Delhi, 1997, p.55

Aisha (R.A) reported that: "Allah's Apostle (S.A.W) went out one morning wearing a cloak made of (camel's or sheep's) black hair with patterns of camel saddles upon it." Sahih Muslim, Volume 3,
p.412

The Prophet (S.A.W)'s outdoor clothes Ubayd bin Khaalid (R.A) reports that: "I was once going to Madina. I heard a person from behind me say: 'Wear your lungi (loose dress) higher because it avoids physical and spiritual impurities.' (The lungi will remain cleaner and will not become dirty by being dragged on the ground.) When I turned to see who was talking I saw that it was Rasulullah (S.A.W)." Shamaa-il
Tirmidhi, Islamic Book Service Publications, New Delhi, 2000, p. 115

Salamah bin Akwa (R.A.) informs us that: "Uthmaan (R.A) wore his lungi till the middle of his shin and said: 'This is how my master RASULULLAH (S.A.W) wore his lungi.' Shamaa-il Tirmidhi, Islamic Book Service
Publications, New Delhi, 2000, p. 115

The Prophet (S.A.W)'s ring and seal

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Anas bin Malik (R.A.) says: "RASULULLAH (S.A.W) had a ring made of silver and its (inlaid) gem was also of silver." Shamaa-il Tirmidhi,
Islamic Book Service Publications, New Delhi, 2000, p.80

When the Prophet (S.A.W) wanted to write to the leaders of foreign states, he ordered a seal-ring to be made. "RASULLULLAH (S.A.W) therefore had a ring made, the whiteness of which is still before my eyes." Shamaa-il The seal of the Prophet

(S.A.W) is available in the Topkapi Palace.

Tirmidhi, Islamic Book Service Publications, New Delhi, 2000, p. 81

"The inscription engraved on the ring of RASULULLAH (S.A.W) was 'Muhammad RASULULLAH,' of which in the first line was engraved 'Muhammad,' in the second line 'Rasul,' and in the third line 'Allah'." Shamaa-il Tirmidhi, Islamic Book Service
Publications, New Delhi, 2000, p. 8

ISLAMIC CLOTHING GLOSSARY

Muslims generally observe modest dress, but the variety of styles and colors have various names depending on the country. Here is a glossary of the most common names of Islamic clothing for both men and women, along with photos and descriptions.

Hijab
This word is sometimes used to generally describe a Muslim women's modest dress. More specifically, it refers to a square or rectangular piece of fabric which is folded, placed over the head, and fastened under the chin as a head scarf. Depending on the style and location, this may also be called a shaylah or tarhah.

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Khimar
A general term for a woman's head and/or face veil. This word is sometimes used to describe a particular style of scarf that drapes over the entire top half of a woman's body, to the waist.

Abaya
Common in the Arab Gulf countries, a cloak for women which is worn over other clothing when in public. The abaya is usually made of black synthetic fiber, sometimes decorated with colored embroidery or sequins. The abaya may be worn from the top of the head to the ground (like the chador below), or over the shoulders. It is usually fastened closed. It may be combined with a head scarf or face veil.

Chador
An enveloping cloak worn by women, from the top of the head to the ground. Usually worn in Iran without a face veil. Unlike the abaya above, the chador is sometimes not fastened in the front.

Jilbab
Sometimes used as a general term, quoted from the Qur'an 33:59, for an over-garment or cloak worn by Muslim women when in public. Sometimes refers to a specific style of cloak, similar to the abaya but more fitted, and in a wider variety of fabrics and colors. It looks more similar to a long tailored coat.

Niqab
A face veil worn by some Muslim women which may or may not leave the eyes uncovered.

Burqa
This type of veil and body covering conceals all of a woman's body including the eyes, which are covered with a mesh screen. Common in Afghanistan; sometimes refers to the "niqab" face veil described above.

Shalwar Kameez
Worn by both men and women primarily in the Indian Subcontinent, loose trousers that are worn with a long tunic.

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Thobe
A long robe worn by Muslim men. The top is usually tailored like a shirt, but it is ankle-length and loose. The thobe is usually white but may be found in other colors especially in winter. The term may also be used to describe any type of loose dress worn by men or women.

Ghutra and Egal

A square or rectangular head scarf worn by men, along with a rope band (usually black) to fasten it in place. The ghutra (head scarf) is usually white, or checkered red/white or black/white. In some countries, this is called a shemagh or kuffiyeh.

Bisht
A dressier men's cloak which is sometimes worn over the thobe, often by high-level government or religious leaders.

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