What does hijab actually cover?
Everything except the face and hands, according to most scholars. In front of non-mahram men, hijab covers your hair, ears, neck, chest, arms, legs and (in most schools) feet. And it isn't just a scarf: the whole outfit should be loose and opaque. Some scholars also require covering the face.
It's an outfit, not just a scarf
In everyday English, "hijab" means the headscarf. In Islamic law, it means the whole way a woman covers. A headscarf with a tight, short top doesn't fulfill it; a loose, long outfit with a scarf that covers the hair, neck and chest does.
Face and hands
The Quran allows "that which [necessarily] appears" of a woman's adornment (Quran 24:31). Many early scholars, including Ibn Abbas, explained this as the face and hands. A hadith in Abu Dawud also reports the Prophet ﷺ pointing to the face and hands as what may show after puberty (Sunan Abi Dawud 4104). Abu Dawud noted a gap in its chain, but scholars such as al-Albani accepted it through supporting reports.
- Hanafi and Maliki: face and hands may show.
- Many Hanbali and later Shafi'i scholars: the face should also be covered in front of non-mahram men.
- Feet: most schools say cover them; the Hanafi school says they may show.
See Is niqab required in Islam? and Do I have to cover my feet as a Muslim woman?
Three simple conditions
- Covering: the areas above are covered.
- Loose: clothes don't show the shape of the body.
- Opaque: no see-through fabric.
Scholars also mention that it shouldn't be designed to attract attention, and shouldn't be specifically men's clothing. See Can I wear tight or see-through clothes with hijab?
When it applies
Hijab applies in front of men who aren't your mahram (close relatives you can never marry) or husband. At home with family and among women, you can relax much of it. It also applies in prayer, even when you're alone. See Who can see me without my hijab?
- Hijab means the whole outfit, not only a scarf.
- Most scholars allow the face and hands to show.
- Clothes should be loose and opaque.
- It applies in front of non-mahram men and in prayer.
People also ask
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 →Can my neck or ears show when I wear hijab?
No. The neck and ears are part of what hijab covers. Here are easy ways to keep them covered, even with earrings or headphones.
Read the full answer →Does my hijab have to cover my chest?
Yes. The Quran tells women to draw their head covers over their chests. A longer scarf or a loose top over it does the job.
Read the full answer →Is hijab a sign of oppression?
Not in Islam's teaching. Hijab is meant as a free act of worship, and forcing it is wrong. Here's how many Muslim women see it.
Read the full answer →Is hijab mandatory in Islam?
Yes. The Quran commands it and all four schools agree it's required once a girl reaches puberty. Here's the evidence and what it means.
Read the full answer →