What are the differences between a Jilbab vs a Hijab?
Jilbabs and Hijabs are garments worn by Muslim women to cover specific areas of the body. The Jilbab is worn by women to cover the entire body except the face or eyes, while the Hijab is a headscarf worn to cover the head and the neck.
Hijabs and Jilbabs are Islamic garments worn for religious reasons. These garments are made with thick fabric and they are worn to conceal a woman’s figure.
The garments are available in a variety of colours and they can be long or loose-fitting. Women can dress in these garments fashionably and respectfully.
It all depends on personal preference and cultural norms if a Hijab or Jilbab would appear more appropriate.
What Is a Jilbab?
The term “Jilbab” refers to a long coat or outer garment worn by Muslim women to cover the entire body. Jibab is also referred to as “Chador” by native Persian speakers in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan.
The Jilbab is worn to cover the entire body except the face or eyes. The modern garment worn by Islamic women covers the entire body. For some reason, some Muslim women prefer to cover their hands with gloves and also cover their faces wearing a nigáb.
Jilbabs are garments usually made with cotton or chiffon fabric. They come in a variety of colours and you can choose your preferred fabric to fit the climate you live in.
Jilbabs can be worn fashionably and respectfully as they come in different colours and fabrics.
Some of the garments are designed with a single colour, with trendy patterns designed with flowers and leaves. Others are made with only solid colours and they can be found in online stores or specialty shops.
If you are a lady shopping for a Jilbab, you should always consider what fits comfortably and the quality of the fabric. Try to avoid buying any garment that would restrict body movement.
Also, you should pick out fabrics that would fit your face, with colours and patterns that fit the season.
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What Is a Hijab?
The term “Hijab” is an Arabic word that means “cover” or “barrier”. It’s a headscarf worn by Muslim women to cover their heads and neck.
The word “Hijab” was originally used to indicate a curtain or partition. It was also used to denote something used for Islamic rules of modesty.
The Hijab is considered an umbrella term for different Islamic head coverings. Shiite Muslims also wear Hijabs to cover their hair and neck.
The Hijab is a similar garment to the snood or tichel– a garment worn by Orthodox Jewish women. It’s also similar to the apostolnik, mantilla and wimple-head coverings worn by some Christian women.
Hijabs do come in a variety of forms and colours. The garment is often referred to as a headscarf covering the hair, neck, and ears, except the face.
Since the 1970s, there has been an increase in the number of people wearing the Hijab worldwide. Muslims around the world regard wearing the Hijab as expressing modesty and faith.
However, some Islamic scholars believe that the Hijab has created problems in gender relations. They believe that the Hijab suppresses Muslim women physically. The idea of wearing the garment has hindered women’s capacity to contribute to society.
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Jilbab vs Hijab: Key Differences between Jilbab and Hijab
Hijabs and Jilbabs are garments worn by Muslim women to cover the entire body or the hair, neck and ears, with the face being visible. Many Muslims believe that wearing the Jilbab and Hijab expresses faith and modesty.
The term “Jilbab” refers to a long coat or outer garment worn by Muslim women to cover the entire body. Jibab is also referred to as “Chador” by native Persian speakers in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan.
The word “Hijab” was originally used to indicate a curtain or partition. It was also used to denote something used for Islamic rules of modesty.
The Hijab is considered an umbrella term for different Islamic head coverings. Shiite Muslims also wear Hijabs to cover their hair and neck.
Jilbabs are garments usually made with cotton or chiffon fabric. They come in a variety of colours and you can choose your preferred fabric to fit the climate you live in.
Some of the garments are designed with a single colour, with trendy patterns designed with flowers and leaves.
Since the 1970s, there has been an increase in the number of people wearing the Hijab worldwide. Muslims around the world regard wearing the Hijab as expressing modesty and faith.
However, some Islamic scholars believe that the Hijab has created problems in gender relations. They believe that the Hijab suppresses Muslim women physically.
Jilbabs are garments that are usually worn over regular clothes. The Jilbab looks like a robe or cloak and it’s designed to conceal the body of a woman. The Jilbab is often worn with a headscarf or a Hijab.
While the Jilbab covers the entire body of a woman, the Hijab is worn to cover the hair, ears, and neck.
Jilbab vs Hijab: More Differences
The Jilbab is a garment worn more often in Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian countries. The Hijab has been adopted globally, and worn in various Muslim communities around the world.
The Jilbab is designed to cover the entire body, while the Hijab is more focused on modesty, only covering the head and the upper body.
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Jilbab vs Hijab: Three Reasons to Choose Jilbabs and Hijabs
| Jilbabs | Hijabs |
| Jilbabs are designed for comfort and they create a strong connection to Allah. | To respect Allah and seek his spiritual fulfilment. |
| The Jilbab provides an alternative for Muslims who are looking for a Hijab equivalent. | Hijabs are made to help you feel safe and liberated. |
| As a long and loose-fit coat, the Jilbab helps women to feel more elegant. | It makes you realize that talent and intellect are more valuable than one’s physical attributes. |
Jilbab vs Hijab: Comparison Chart
| Jilbab | Hijab | |
| Description | A long coat or outer garment worn by Muslim women to cover the entire body. | A headscarf worn by Muslim women to cover their head and neck. |
| General type | Full-length robe-like | Headscarf |
| Body parts covered | The entire body, except the face, hands, and feet. | The hair, ears, neck. And sometimes the shoulders. |
| Accompanies | Usually worn with a headscarf or Hijab | Often worn alone or with other modest garments. |
| Regional adaptation | More common in Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian countries. | Globally adopted in various Muslim communities worldwide. |
| Versatility | Less versatile and specific designs | More versatile with various styles |
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Jilbab vs Hijab: Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions about the differences between a Jilbab and a Hijab.
What is a jilbab?
“Jilbab” refers to a long coat or outer garment worn by Muslim women to cover the entire body.
What is a hijab?
The Hijab is a headscarf worn by Muslim women to cover their head, ears and neck.
Can men wear a Jilbab or Hijab?
I think it’s inappropriate for men to wear a Hijab or a Jilbab. These garments are made for women for modesty.
Are there different styles of Hijabs?
Yes, the Hijab is in a variety of styles, fabrics and colours.
Can a Jilbab be worn with a Hijab?
The Jilbab is often worn with a headscarf or a Hijab.
Are Hijabs worn in non-Muslim countries?
Although Hijabs are worn by Muslim women in Islamic countries, they can also be worn in non-Muslim countries.
Conclusion
Hijabs and Jilbabs are garments worn by Muslim women to cover the entire body or the hair, neck and ears, with the face being visible. Wearing the Hijab or Jilbab signifies devotion to the Islamic faith and beliefs.
Some Islamic scholars believe that the Hijab has created problems in gender relations. But Muslims around the world regard wearing the Hijab as expressing modesty and faith.
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