The hijab is an exciting and scary part of any reverts' journey into Islam.
What will people say? Do I have to wear it all the time? How do I keep it on? What fabric can I use for a hijab?
So many questions, and all of which need to be answered. It is important to do your research and know the facts about anything regarding Islam. The main reason behind that is that it will help you feel 100% confident when you take the step of putting it into practice. Same goes with the hijab.
They are different types of covering, and Inshallah I will try and explain them here for you with this picture.
Image by Naima B Roberts in "From my sisters lips"
HIJAB: head scarf which covers the hair down to the shoulders
ABAYAH: Long tunique or dress worn on top of usual clothing to create a fully covered look
NIQAB: Is the one which covers the sisters face to only reveal the eyes.
JILBAB: Is the dress which covers everything from head to toe. This can be worn with or without a Niqab
HALF JILBAB: Is the one often traditionally worn by Somali sisters and now adopted by many reverts as it stops just below the arms so as to give more freedom of movement compared to the full Jilbab.
BURQA: Is the traditional afghani blue dress, although it can be found in black, it covers everything including the eyes, allowing the sister to see through either sheer fabric or a square of lace.
They are billions of ways to wear the headscarf, and so there is not really any right or wrong way to put it on.
But as a principle, it should cover the hair entirely, with no strand left on the face or around the ears, and it should cover the skin of the neck down till the next item of clothing.
You can wear any scarf you already have at home, as long as it has no obviously bad prints on them (representations of paintings of the human body, anything with eyes on, or anything derogatory to Islam)
The easiest scarves to wear are the soft ones made of cotton. Avoid synthetic fabric, if possible, as it will rub against itself and make a lot of noise over your ears. Cotton is also lighter and more 'breathable'.
For beginners scared of experimenting with fabrics and scarves, most islamic shops will have a "hoodjab", I'm calling it that, I don't know if that is the real name for them. They are sewn together and you just need to pull them over your head and it's done :)
An easy way to ensure every bit of hair is covered is to wear a headband before applying the full length scarf as this picture shows.
aishah-amin-the-hijab-diaries.blogspot.com
For more ideas and inspiration on how to wear headscarves, do check out this blog : http://aishah-amin-the-hijab-diaries.blogspot.co.uk/
Alternatively, look out for my blog postings about how to accessorise your hijab with items you already have at home!
Mashallah, they are many many videos on line about different ways to wear the hijab, or the head scarf.
I have selected a few of my favourite ones for you to look at.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfZpJ7yLL5U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0yt8c6kJWc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT6f8me3cew
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV_sL_UHO4c
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