Hatrack River Forum: Question about Muslim women's clothing

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Posted by Raventhief (Member # 9002) on :

So I'm working on a short play in which the central characters are Muslim, and I have been less than successful in my research on the details of women's clothing. I was hoping someone here knows more than me.
Specifically the hijab vs the chador. I am interested to know what leads a woman to wear one or the other. Is it a tribal or denominational difference (Sunni vs Shi'a)? Does it depend on the woman's circumstance?
Any information would be useful. Thanks!

Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :

The hijab is the least conservative of the coverings, and is worn in more secular parts of the muslim world (think Turkey).

The chador is a fair bit more conservative (about mid-range in the full spectrum), and is worn in fairly conservative parts of the muslim world (think Iran).

The chador is mostly worn in Shia regions. I wasn't sure why, but this article is enlightening: http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=98839

Posted by ambyr (Member # 7616) on :

Hijab is a general term that means different things in different countries. See Wikipedia.

Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :

Hijab can mean the style of modest dress, but "the" hijab is just a scarf (well, one of a few possible scarves).