Hijab and Berets

 

Hijab refers to head coverings worn by Muslim women.

Similar to the mitpaḥat/tichel or snood worn by religiously observing married Jewish women, certain headcoverings worn by some Christian women, such as the hanging veil, apostolnik and kapp, and the dupatta favored by many Hindu and Sikh women, the hijab comes in various forms. 

The term describes a scarf that is wrapped around the head, covering the hair, neck, and ears while leaving the face visible.

The use of the hijab has grown globally since the 1970s, with many Muslims viewing it as a symbol of modesty and faith; it is also worn as a form of adornment.

There is consensus among mainstream Islamic religious scholars that covering the head is required. In practice, most Muslim women choose to wear it.

Classical fiqh have differed as how to understand Qur'anic verses on clothing; Sunni and Shia scholars say hijab is mandatory, while Ismaili, accounting for ~0.25% of all Muslims, do not.

Besides that traditional scholars had different opinions on covering the hands and face. Muslim scholars usually require women to cover everything but their hands and face in public, but do not require the niqab (a face covering worn by some Muslim women). 

In nearly all Muslim cultures, pre-pubescent girls are not required to wear a hijab.

In private, and in the presence of close relatives (mahrams), rules on dress relax. However, in the presence of the husband, most scholars stress the importance of mutual freedom and pleasure of the husband and wife.