Dress code
Accordingly, most women are expected wear the hijab (head covering), a full black cloak called an abaya, and a face-veil called niqab.
For many women, the dress code is a part of the right to modesty that Islam guarantees women.
Among non-mahram men, women must cover the parts of the body that are awrah (not meant to be exposed). In much of Islam, a women's face is not considered awrah. In Saudi Arabia and some other Arab states, the whole body is considered awrah except for the hands and eyes. Accordingly, most women are expected to wear the hijab (head covering), a full black cloak called an abaya, and a face-veil called niqab.
Many historians and Islamic scholars believe that the tradition, if not requirement, of the veil predates Islam in parts of the region.
Accordingly, most women are expected wear the hijab (head covering), a full black cloak called an abaya, and a face-veil called niqab.
For many women, the dress code is a part of the right to modesty that Islam guarantees women.
Among non-mahram men, women must cover the parts of the body that are awrah (not meant to be exposed). In much of Islam, a women's face is not considered awrah. In Saudi Arabia and some other Arab states, the whole body is considered awrah except for the hands and eyes. Accordingly, most women are expected to wear the hijab (head covering), a full black cloak called an abaya, and a face-veil called niqab.
Many historians and Islamic scholars believe that the tradition, if not requirement, of the veil predates Islam in parts of the region.
Although the dress code is often regarded in the West as a highly visible symbol of oppression, Saudi women rank the dress code low on the list of priorities for reform or abandon it completely. Journalist Sabria Jawhar complains that Western readers of her Huffington Post blog are obsessed with her veil.
Non-Saudis assume what's best for Saudis, like Saudis should refashion and modernize and join the 21st century or that Saudi women need to be free of the veil and abaya.
A majority of women say they want to wear the veil. They cite Islamic devotion, pride in family traditions, and less sexual harassment from male colleagues. For many women, the dress code is a part of the right to modesty that Islam guarantees women. Some also perceive attempts at reform as anti-Islamic interruption by Westerners: “They fear Islam, and we are the world's foremost Islamic nation.”
Non-Saudis assume what's best for Saudis, like Saudis should refashion and modernize and join the 21st century or that Saudi women need to be free of the veil and abaya.
A majority of women say they want to wear the veil. They cite Islamic devotion, pride in family traditions, and less sexual harassment from male colleagues. For many women, the dress code is a part of the right to modesty that Islam guarantees women. Some also perceive attempts at reform as anti-Islamic interruption by Westerners: “They fear Islam, and we are the world's foremost Islamic nation.”