An Analytical View on the Ruling of Face Covering (Part Five)
Types and Shapes of Burqas in Different Countries of the World
1. In Islamic Countries:
The burqa is a covering worn by some Muslim women, and its nature varies according to regions and cultures. In Afghanistan and some areas of Transoxiana, women wear a veil that covers their head and feet, known as the burqa or “baqarah.”
In Afghanistan, two types of burqas are particularly well known. One is called “Chadari,” which is usually blue and features green and white colors, completely covering the woman’s body except for a small area in front. The eyes are visible through a curtain or screen that has some mesh in it. The second type is a burqa that is either rectangular or non-rectangular in shape, worn along with a hijab. These burqas come in two forms: small and large. The small one covers only the face and neck, while the large one extends to the bottom of the chest.
Women in Arab countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and some southern regions of Palestine, as well as various African countries like Sudan, Algeria, and the Maghreb, also wear a burqa. However, the nature of burqas differs in these regions; each country has its unique culture regarding the style of the burqa. For instance, women in the United Arab Emirates wear delicate, thin, and small burqas adorned with colorful stripes. In other Arab countries, burqas may be embellished with precious stones and gold coins. Today, in many Arab nations, burqas symbolize both decency in dressing and a means of showcasing fashion.
In Saudi Arabia, the burqa is referred to as “burqa Milayah” or “Niqab,” primarily worn by nomadic and rural women. The burqa is typically made from a fabric known as “Ahardar White Tanzib,” and women also wear blue burqas alongside white ones in Jeddah, Makkah, and Medina. These burqas often feature extensive embroidery and can range in length from the chest to the floor. Their shape is generally rectangular, closing with two or three straps around the head, near the temples, eyes, and ears.
In southern Palestine and the Gaza Strip, particularly in Beer Sheba, the burqa is called “Esaba” or “Asaba,” which is attached to a headband. The shape of North African women’s burqas resembles those in Arab countries, often crafted from black or white thin cotton cloth decorated with ornaments. In Egypt and Sudan, women’s burqas typically extend to the legs.
2. In Western Countries:
In contrast, Western countries often restrict Muslim women’s freedom concerning this issue, apart from a few nations that relatively uphold religious freedoms in certain matters. France was one of the first European countries to pass a law banning the veil, including face coverings, in public places in 2011. Similarly, countries such as Austria, Holland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Belgium have enacted bans on wearing hijabs and burqas in public; women donning a full hijab with a burqa in these countries may face financial penalties.
However, in countries like England, there is no strict law prohibiting hijabs or veiling based on religious beliefs. Spain, Portugal, and Greece currently lack legal restrictions against wearing burqas and veils. The United States also does not have a law prohibiting the hijab, as the American Constitution recognizes freedom of religion and freedom of speech.
In 2012, Canada briefly banned the wearing of burqas and veils during citizenship ceremonies, but this law was reversed in 2015 due to concerns over religious freedom. Australia similarly has no legal bans in place; however, some groups advocate for restrictions on burqas and veils in public places.
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