As our world grows more interconnected between cultures, understanding different religious traditions becomes increasingly valuable. For Muslim women, wearing head coverings in public is an important part of their faith. However, two common coverings—the khimar and hijab—are often confused by non-Muslims. This article will clarify what sets these garments apart, explaining their origins, purposes, designs and spiritual significance to promote intercultural awareness and respect.
What is a Khimar?
A khimar is a traditional head covering worn by some Muslim women that drapes over the head, neck and shoulders. The name comes from an ancient Mesopotamian word meaning “cover.” Khimars are typically semi-transparent veils made from light fabrics like georgette or chiffon, sometimes with decorative edges. They cover a woman’s hair while leaving the face clear. Khimars also fully conceal the neck and shoulders.
When Did Khimars Originate?
The khimar has ancient roots tracing back to the Byzantine Empire. Some of the earliest known references to the khimar are found in artistic depictions of noblewomen dating between the 5th and 16th centuries CE. The style emerged as a symbolic indicator of upper-class status before evolving into a more spiritual head covering over time.
The Qur’an instructs women to “draw their khimars over their bosoms” to preserve modesty. While the Qur’an doesn’t specifically name the khimar, scholars generally agree this passage refers to existing veiling practices of the era. Most Islamic scholars believe wearing the khimar became a common practice in the 7th century CE as a way for Muslim women to express piety.
Modern Khimar Style and Significance
Today, stylish khimars come in a rainbow of colors and patterns. They are wrapped, pinned or tied over the head, leaving the face bare. While black is the most traditional color, pastel pinks, blues and yellows have grown popular. The lightweight fabric allows the wearer’s hair to show faintly underneath, a desired effect in khimar fashion.
For the Muslim women who choose to wear them, khimars represent spiritual devotion, personal freedom and respect of cultural traditions.
What is the Hijab?
The term “hijab” refers generally to Islamic norms of modest dress. More specifically, the hijab is a popular head covering that frames the face while concealing the head and neck. Most hijabs consist of a square scarf folded into a triangle, draped over the head and pinned beneath the chin. Made of soft fabrics like jersey or chiffon, hijabs come in solids and prints from subtle paisleys to bold florals. Some variations also cover the chest.
History and Religious Purpose
The term “hijab” comes from the Arabic word meaning “to cover, to veil, to shelter.” References to veiling practices appear in ancient texts like the Torah and Bible, which influenced later Scripture. While the Qur’an does not specifically define the hijab, it instructs women to cover their heads and chests in the presence of men other than close relatives. Scholars point to this as the basis for wearing the hijab.
While hijabs have deeper religious and spiritual purpose, many Muslim women also wear them as expressions of personal freedom, feminist ideals and cultural identity.
Modern Hijab Styles
There are countless ways to wrap and style hijabs. Here are three of the most popular modern variations:
Rectangular hijabs: Also called “Pashmina” style, these feature a rectangle of fabric worn loosely draped over the head and pinned at the shoulders for coverage and stability.
Square hijabs: Often in solids or simple prints, these hijabs are versatile triangles twisted into folds and wrapped in unique ways by each woman as a signature look.
Cap or bonnet hijabs: Designed to smoothly encircle the face, these “bonnet” style hijabs cup the jawline and are often paired with a scarf or neck covering.
Respecting Muslim Traditions
Sadly, the hijab and khimar sometimes bring undeserved assumptions that Muslim women lack agency. In reality, millions choose to veil for empowering reasons. By learning about these complex cultural practices, we can appreciate the beauty in Muslim women’s diversity and honor their right to self-determination.