A guide to the different types of veil

The "burqa ban" actually refers to the niqab, a veil closely associated with Wahabi traditionalists in the Arabian peninsula. FRANCE 24 looks at the different types of veil worn across the Muslim world.

By FRANCE 24 (text)

The hijab (top left): A scarf that covers the hair, ears and neck only, leaving the face visible. The hijab is common across much of the Muslim world where it has replaced traditional headwear such as the Arab “haick”.

The niqab (top right): A full veil covering the whole of the body with a thin slit for the eyes, the niqab is linked to the strongly traditionalist Wahabbi branch of Islam, especially in Saudi Arabia. Some women supplement the niqab with sunglasses and even gloves.

The chador (bottom left): A traditional garment mostly used in rural Iran, the chador is a full-length semicircle of fabric open down the front, which is thrown over the head and held tightly below the chin

The burqa (bottom right): The traditional full veil worn by women in Afghanistan and by Muslim women across the Indian subcontinent. This all-encompassing garb covers the entire head and body with a mesh for the eyes.

FRANCE

Parliament calls burqa a 'challenge' to national values, backs public ban

Date created : 26/01/2010

Comments (4)

To the commenter who states

by Anonyme (not verified) - 19/05/2010 - 03:06

To the commenter who states that France is racist. Do you and have you defended the right of European, Asian, African, Latin American and secular women, whether Christian, Jewish, etc. to travel in Muslim countries without covering themselves, and to dress as they please in those societies? I strongly suspect that the answer is no.
Don't expect a country such as France, which fought so hard for equality of the sexes to step backwards to accommodate people who have settled within its borders thru free choice.
Clean your own houses before you label your neighbors.
I am fully aware of France's reprehensible colonialist past, but this is now, and it is time for the people of France to take a stand against those who would change the standards that the French follow in order to appease predominantly men who expect to travel thru life unchallenged and calling all of the shots.

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Wearing face covers for religious purposes

by Anonyme (not verified) - 03/04/2010 - 10:57

This is a difficult debate as there are several reasons why women chose to cover their heads and faces and even their whole bodies. Spiritual choices and "old fashioned " modesty cannot be easily dismissed. However, I do think that in public places and especially on public transport the more fearful among us should have some idea of who might be carrying explosives!
tHANK GOODNESS i DON'T LIVE IN rUSSIA AT THE MOMENT!

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THE BURKA

by Anonyme - 28/01/2010 - 03:01

The French goverment has no moral values. it does not respect traditions,and is racist,a country that tells the world of its beautiful culture should be ashamed of it self because it does not respect other cultures.there is nothing wrong with the burka it is an garment worn by muslim females to protect themselfs to protect their dignity, if theres something wrong it is the law it should be protecting people not making rules at to what people can wear and not wear, people have the right to chosse how they live, what they wear and freedom of reigion and etc... the french should stop this nonesense and concentrate on more issues afecting its country,terror, global warming and ect.......