Hijab 101

Hello everyone,

My post today will not be too bouncy or descriptive, because here in Amman, my house has experienced a lose. Our dear rabbit, Humza, died this morning from complications of being a rabbit from a market (aka, unknown disease.) He went as most of us would want to go, quite quickly. It was a sad day. So, I don't want to reflect on much of it.

SO! To change the topic, lets talk about Hijaab. I have gotten a lot of questions about this. You have probably asked me it (which is cool! I love questions!) They usually are:
1. Do you wear a hijab?/Do you have to?
2. Do women wear them mostly?
3. Do you have to wear a burka?

To help you all see what I see, here are some terms. Click on the terms to access the photo. I did not take them, because it isn't very polite for a relatively immodest girl from America to take a picture of a Muslim women. Among other reasons. This is just a basic, VISUAL overview. I will not go into the reasons for the Hijaab, just their styles.

Hijaab:
Here is a photo of what a Hijaab is...they are sold everywhere. Women wear them with real style here, let me tell you. When you hear the word, think of this.

Burka:
This is an Afghani burka. I have only seen about one of these. There are usually not slits for hands.

Niqaab:
This garment covers the entire head and has a slit for the eyes.

"Half" Niqaab: (sorry, this picture relates to the controversy in France, but is the best visual)
This handkerchief reveals more of the face, falling just below the nose.

Abaya:
An all encompassing garment, which is very traditional.

Bushiya:
This garment covers the entire face, there is no eyeslit present. They are entirely covered and usually wear gloves.

Chador:
Also covers all of the body, usually swings around in a circle like fashion. Think Nun sort of.

By no means are these all of the styles of head scarf. Every culture, region, and religious sect has their own ways. I already know that not seeing these women when I'm in the United States, will be very strange for me.

As of right now, it is hard to not look when you see a Burka or Bushiya. Mostly, because you don't know how to see.

Last of all, please note on the side of the blog how to get to my Facebook album!

Best,
Liz