In Islam, wearing modest dresses is a compulsion for men and women. Regarding women, an ‘abaya’ is a common outerwear. Any lady can seek to fulfill this requirement in a practical way. This is why Muslim women usually wear an abaya. But what is abaya is Islam?
Al-Haq Thobes explains what is abaya in Islam and its relation with the broader concept of modest clothing.
What is an Abaya?
An abaya (aba or burqa) is a full-body length, loose outerwear for women. You can wear it over your routine or occasional clothes while going out.
Traditionally, an aba is a robe-like dress. It covers the body from shoulders to feet. This gown does not cover your body portion above your shoulders. This is why it is always paired with a head scarf (hijab) that covers a woman’s
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Head
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Neck
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Ears
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Shoulders
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Chest
The word ‘abaya’ originates from Arabic ‘abāyah.’ it is typically of black colour in the Gulf region. But, modern variations include different colours and fabrics.
Check out our latest Moroccan thobe with hood collection for men.
What is Abaya in Islam?
In Islam, the abaya is a tangible means by which a woman fulfills the command of concealing her body in the presence of non-mahram (unrelated) men.
For men’s modest clothing, you can learn about why do Islamic men wear thobes.
The burqa is among women’s outer-garments through which the obligation of physical covering is easily met. The principle is rooted in a verse of the Qur’an:
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers that they should draw their cloaks over themselves…” (Qur’an 33:59).
The term ‘abaya’ is not explicitly used in the Qur’an. The concept of a loose outer garment is present. That is why many women choose this style.
For men, the modest wear is a thobe paired with a Yemeni shemagh.
What Does Islam Say About Abaya?
Islam emphasises several conditions for proper modest dress. The clothing should
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Cover the body
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Be stitched of opaque fabric
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Have a loose fit
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Conform to Islamic teachings of modesty
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Not be worn as an adornment to attract attention
Scholars explain that the aba itself is not necessarily fard (compulsory). But, an outer-garment or cloak that fulfills the purpose of proper covering is mandatory.
Study the differences between keffiyeh and shemagh.
Is It Compulsory to Wear Abaya in Islam?
Wearing the abaya specifically is not universally compulsory. The main command in Islamic dress law is that a woman covers her body appropriately. You can use an outer-clothing that conceals your body shape.
Many scholars also say the abaya as such is not a compulsion. But, the outer-garment requirement is.
Read the differences between a thobe and dishdasha.
The Bottom Line
Comprehending what is abaya is Islam reveals that this garment specifically is not a compulsion. Instead, women must cover themselves with any appropriate outer wear in the presence of unrelated or stranger men.
Besides abayas for women, shop the best shemagh scarf for men!