Do I have to wear an abaya as a Muslim woman?
No. Islam requires clothing that is loose, opaque and covers what needs covering. It doesn't require a specific garment. An abaya is one easy option, but a long tunic with wide trousers, a maxi skirt with a long cardigan, or a loose dress all work just as well.
No required garment
The abaya is a traditional garment from the Gulf region. The jilbab, shalwar kameez, Moroccan djellaba and West African boubou are other cultural versions of modest dress. All of them can fulfill hijab, and so can Western clothes. Converts don't need to adopt Arab dress to be good Muslims.
What "jilbab" in the Quran means
The Quran tells believing women to "bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments" (Quran 33:59). The word used is jalabib. Scholars describe it as a loose outer covering worn over regular clothes when going out. Umm Salamah described the women of Madinah after this verse "as if they had crows over their heads" because of their dark outer garments (Sunan Abi Dawud 4101). Some scholars therefore prefer a loose outer layer in public. Others say any outfit that is loose and long enough meets the purpose.
The conditions
- Covers the body except the face and hands (feet differ by school).
- Loose enough not to show the body's shape.
- Thick enough not to be see-through.
- Not specifically men's clothing, and not designed to draw attention.
Western options
- Long shirt dress over wide-leg trousers.
- Maxi skirt with a loose long-sleeved top.
- Long cardigan, duster coat or trench coat over everyday clothes.
- Loose jumpsuit with a long open kimono.
Many sisters own a couple of abayas for the mosque and Eid and wear Western modest outfits the rest of the time. See Can Muslim women wear trousers? and Can hijab be stylish and fashionable?
- No specific garment is required.
- Clothes must be loose, opaque and covering.
- Some scholars prefer a loose outer layer.
- Western modest clothes are fine.
People also ask
Do older women still need to wear hijab?
The Quran gives older women some relief: they may set aside outer garments, though modesty is still better. Here's what that means.
Read the full answer →At what age should a girl start wearing hijab?
Hijab becomes required at puberty. Before that, girls can try it for fun, but they shouldn't be forced or pressured.
Read the full answer →Is niqab required in Islam?
Scholars differ. Most Hanafi and Maliki scholars say it's recommended, not required; many Hanbali and Shafi'i scholars say it's required.
Read the full answer →Can I wear a turban-style hijab?
It depends on what it covers. A turban that leaves the neck, ears or chest bare isn't full hijab, but it can be with a neck cover and loose top.
Read the full answer →Is a hat or beanie enough as a hijab?
Not on its own, since hair, neck and ears still show. But a hat with a high collar or snood can work as a step or for a work dress code.
Read the full answer →