For those who don’t know what a hijab is, here is a simple explanation: in Islam, women are given a choice to wear the hijab as a form of worship to Allah and to express modesty. Many Muslim women wear the hijab to express their devotion towards Allah and belief in Him. Since there are more than 1.5 billion Muslims across the globe, the online hijab has been incorporated into countless cultures and traditions in various ways. Muslim women from different countries have a unique way of wearing and styling their hijab. No matter where you live, you will come across a Muslim woman who wears her hijab proudly. Even in the world of fashion, the hijab is becoming popularized and accepted for all the right reasons. A decade ago, seeing a hijabi model on the cover of a magazine or as a face of a brand would have been extremely rare. But things are rapidly changing now, and the world is evolving and becoming more accepting of each other’s choices and differences. Let’s take a look at all the different styles of hijabs women wear from various parts of the world.
Pakistan
Beginning with our very own, women in Pakistan wear their hijabs in countless ways. But the most popular way of styling our hijab would be loosely draping the scarf or dupatta, specifically the way Malala Yousafzai usually takes her dupatta. Even the late Benazir Bhutto used to drape her scarf similarly, leaving a bit of hair peeking from under. The hues range from dark to bright, and they correspond to our traditional cultural dress, shalwar kameez. This style is always attractive, stylish, and adaptable to any desired appearance. Since different styles of hijab are becoming more popular, online hijab shopping in Pakistan has become extremely easy. One of the leading modest wear brands, PoshnLuxe offers a wide range of hijabs, abayas, shawls, and more. Their products are made with the finest fabrics, and the designs are perfect for daily use or fancy occasions.
Afghanistan
Among all the Muslim nations in the world, Afghani women tend to wear one of the unique styles of hijab. Their hijab is commonly known as the “burqa.” The burqa is a long piece of cloth that Afghani women drape over their heads. The cloth falls down to their ankles or knees. The cloth covers the face completely, and in the area of the eyes, there is a net type of fabric that women can see through. There is no color restriction on burqas, but in Afghanistan, women mostly wear blue burqas.
Indonesia
New hijab fashions and trends emerge in Indonesia on a regular basis. Indonesian-style hijabs completely cover the hair and may include under caps just below the hijab to give a more ornate and distinctive look. The hijab and undercap can be in two tones of the same color or two different colors that complement one another or the traditional outfit. Certain hijabs can be given added volume by attaching flowery motifs and other accessories.
Malaysia
Malaysia is a Muslim nation that is always brimming with the latest Islamic fashion trends, is the hub for all new hijab trends. Malaysian hijabs are frequently made out of light or brightly colored hijabs with floral motifs or traditional prints that go with women’s traditional attires. To beautifully add volume and complete coverage of their hair, Malaysian women create drapes in the hijab. The final look is absolutely stunning.
Ethiopia
Muslim women in Ethiopia often wrap their hijab in a turban style, which covers their heads and hair completely. This turban-style hijab is made with either solid-colored fabrics or patterned fabrics for formal occasions and celebrations. Women use pins and ornate brooches to hold their turban hijab in place.
Somalia
Similar to the Ethiopian style hijab, Muslim women of Somalia wear their hijab as a turban. Using long headscarves, Somali women create more layers and volume in their turban hijab. They also add an undercap under their hijabs for better coverage and color. Somali women often complete their look with gorgeous statement earrings and necklaces.
Iran
Women in Iran wear a hijab that is commonly known as a “chador.” The chador drapes over the head and down to a woman’s knees, waist, or ankles. The chador is often black in color and provides a very classy and simple hijab look.
Turkey
Like all things in Turkey, their hijab style is chic and stylish. The Turkish-style hijab serves its purpose by providing full coverage to a woman’s head and hair. What makes the Turkish-style hijab stand out from the rest of the hijab styles is the elegant bow on one side of the neck. To amplify the look, Turkish women add volume and finish the look by tying a bow or knot, which holds the stylish hijab in place.
Palestine
Palestinian women tie their scarf tightly, which provides full coverage to the head and hair. They also add an undercap for volume, style and to hold the scarf in place. Palestinian women, like most Arab women, match the color of their scarf with their outfits, creating a very classy and simple look.
Syria
Syrian women typically wear their hijab wrapped around their heads and fixed with pins. They frequently wear undercaps and make layers at the top of their heads with the headscarf to offer a distinctive style. This style, in addition to entirely covering the hair, also covers the neck and a portion of the chest.
Tips to Start Wearing the Hijab
For women who have found the right guidance and have decided to start wearing the hijab, the journey at first can be quite difficult, especially for the women who have converted to Islam. There are many different judgments people around you might give that may discourage you from wearing the hijab, but you can also find the right people who will guide and help you on this beautiful journey of yours. These tips can help you start wearing the hijab regularly:
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Wear the hijab for Allah
With clear faith and intentions, Allah will make your journey thousand times easier. He just needs you to take the first step towards Him.
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Make a stern decision
To make things simpler, decide a date from which you will start wearing the hijab and stick to your decision. As the day comes closer, offer Istikhara prayer to ask for Allah’s guidance and ask for strength. The rest, leave it upon your creator to handle. When you start wearing the Hijab, know that it is your choice and no one can make you change. It’s important to stay strong in what matters most – faith!
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Ignore the judgment and remarks
People will judge you and pass remarks. They will question you on your choice, but you have to stand strong in your faith for Allah. Ignore the people who might misguide you and remind yourself of your intentions.
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Take one step at a time
Completely covering yourself from head to toe from the first day might seem a bit overwhelming for you. So it is best to start with small steps. Even when you take small steps towards Allah, He makes magnificent ways to ease your journey. It might take weeks or months, but soon enough, the hijab will become a part of your identity that you will proudly wear.
