In modern usage, hijab (Arabic: حجاب, romanized: ḥijāb, pronounced[ħɪˈdʒaːb]) generally refers to variety of head coverings conventionally worn by many Muslim women as an expression of faith.[1][2] Similar to the tichel or snood worn by Orthodox Jewish women, certain headcoverings worn by some Christian women, such as the mantilla, apostolnik and wimple,[3][4] and the dupatta favored by many Hindu and Sikh women,[5][6][7] the hijab comes in various forms. Often, it specifically describes a scarf that is wrapped around the head, covering the hair, neck, and ears while leaving the face visible.[8][9] The use of the hijab has grown globally since the 1970s, with many Muslims viewing it as a symbol of modesty and faith; it is also worn as a form of adornment.[8][10] There is consensus among Islamic religious scholars that covering the head is either required or preferred.[11][12][13][14] In practice, most Muslim women choose to wear it.[15][16][17][18]
The term ḥijāb was originally used to denote a partition or a curtain and was sometimes used for Islamic rules of modesty.[8][19] In the verses of the Qur'an, the term refers to a curtain separating visitors to Muhammad's main house from his wives' lodgings. This has led some to claim that the mandate of the Qur'an applied only to the wives of Muhammad and not to all women.[20][21] Another interpretation can also refer to the seclusion of women from men in the public sphere, whereas a metaphysical dimension may refer to "the veil which separates man, or the world, from God".[22] The Qur'an never uses the word hijab to refer to women's clothing, but passages discuss the attire of women using other terms jilbab and khimār.[23] For some the term for headscarf in the Qur'an is khimār (Arabic: خِمار).[8][24][19][25][26]
There is variation in interpretations regarding the extent of covering required. Some legal systems accept the hijab as an order to cover everything except the face and hands,[27][22] whilst others accept it as an order to cover the whole body, including the face and hands.[28] These guidelines are found in texts of hadith and fiqh developed after the revelation of the Qur'an. Some state that these guidelines are aligned with Qur'anic verses (ayahs) about hijab,[29][30] while others interpret them differently and argue that its not mandated.[31][32] Reformist groups claim that veiling is a recommendation rooted in historical context rather than an absolute mandate.[32][33]
Islamic veiling practices vary globally based on local laws and customs. In some regions, the hijab is mandated by law, while in others, its use is subject to restrictions or bans in both Europe and some Muslim countries.[34][35] Additionally, women face informal pressure regarding their choice to wear or not wear the hijab.[36][37] Discrimination against Muslims often affects women more due to the hijab making them more visible, leading to workplace prejudice, particularly after the rise of Islamophobia post-9/11.[38] Hijab-wearing Muslim women face both overt and covert discrimination in job applications and workplace environments, with covert bias often resulting in more hostile treatment.[39] Perceived discrimination can harm well-being,[40] but may also be overcomed by religious pride and community; studies show hijab-wearing women often find greater strength and belonging despite challenges.[41][41]
^Spurgeon, Andrew B. (14 August 2016). Twin Cultures Separated by Centuries: An Indian Reading of 1 Corinthians. Langham Publishing. p. 196. ISBN978-1-78368-139-6. Ghoonghat (also ghunghat or jhund) is the Hindi word used for a veil or a scarf that a woman in northern India wears to cover her head or face (in states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam). Sometimes the end of a sari or dupatta (a long scarf) is pulled over the head or face to function as a ghoonghat.
^Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World (2003), p. 721, New York: Macmillan Reference USA
^ abSyed, Ibrahim. "The Quran Does Not Mandate Hijab". Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc. Archived from the original on 21 December 2015. Retrieved 26 December 2015.
^Cite error: The named reference auto2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^Ahmad, A. S., King, E. B.(2010). An experimental field study of interpersonal discrimination toward Muslim job applicants. Personnel Psychology, 63(4), 881–906
^Pascoe, E. A., & Smart Richman, L. (2009). Perceived discrimination and health: a meta-analytic review. Psychological Bulletin, 135(4), 531