Is there a hijab for Muslim men?
Yes, in the sense that men have their own modesty rules, but there's no required headscarf for men. The Quran tells men to lower their gaze before it tells women, and men must cover from the navel to the knee, dress decently, and avoid silk and gold. A cap (kufi) is optional.
Hijab is more than a scarf
"Hijab" in Islam means modesty in dress and behavior. The scarf is the women's part of it, but the idea applies to everyone. In fact, the Quran addresses men first, in the verse right before the one about women's head coverings:
When the Prophet ﷺ was asked about a sudden, accidental look, he told the man to turn his eyes away (Sahih Muslim 2159). So for men, the "hijab of the eyes" is a big part of modesty.
What men must cover
The majority of scholars say a man's awrah is from the navel to the knees. In practice:
- In public: no short shorts or tight swimwear that shows the thighs. Gym shorts should reach the knee. See Can I still wear shorts to the gym as a Muslim?
- In prayer: cover the awrah, and most scholars recommend also covering the shoulders.
- Fit: clothes shouldn't be so tight or sheer that they show the private area.
Other rules for men's dress
- No silk or gold for men. See Can Muslim men wear gold rings?
- No dressing like women, and the reverse for women (Sahih al-Bukhari 5885).
- No arrogance in clothing. The Prophet ﷺ warned about trailing garments below the ankles (Sahih al-Bukhari 5787). Scholars differ on whether this applies to all long trousers or only when worn out of pride.
What about kufis, turbans and beards?
Many men wear a kufi or turban, especially for prayer, and it's a good tradition, but it isn't an obligation. The beard is a separate topic: most scholars regard keeping it as required or strongly recommended. See Do I have to grow a beard right away?
- Men have modesty rules too; the Quran mentions them first.
- Lowering the gaze is a core part of male modesty.
- Cover from navel to knee; avoid silk, gold and tight clothes.
- A kufi or turban is optional, not required.
People also ask
Can I show my face in photos if I wear niqab?
It depends who sees it: face photos for family, women and ID are fine, but posting your uncovered face publicly clashes with wearing niqab.
Read the full answer →Can I wear hijab while giving birth?
Yes, you can wear hijab while giving birth, but labour is a time of need, so anything uncovered for your care or safety isn't held against you.
Read the full answer →Can I wear earbuds or headphones with hijab?
Yes, you can wear earbuds or headphones with hijab as long as hair, ears and neck stay covered. How to wear them, what to listen to and safety tips.
Read the full answer →Can Muslim women wear long skirts with a slit?
Muslim women can wear long skirts with a slit if the leg underneath stays covered with loose trousers or leggings; high slits over skin aren't.
Read the full answer →Can my stepbrother see me without hijab?
No, a stepbrother is not a mahram, so you wear hijab in front of him. How he differs from a half-brother, and tips for sharing a home kindly.
Read the full answer →