KhimarEdit
Khimar is a traditional form of head covering associated with Islam, aimed at modest dress in public life. In classical usage, the term khimar refers to a veil or cloak that drapes over the head and often extends to cover the neck, shoulders, and sometimes the chest. In contemporary usage, the word is frequently used to describe a long rectangular or semi-rectangle scarf that covers the hair and neck, and it can be paired with other garments to form a wider modest-dress ensemble. It is distinct in terminology from other garments that serve similar purposes, such as the hijab (head covering in a broader sense) and the jilbab (an outer garment), as well as from facial coverings like the niqab. The khimar occupies a specific place in the broader Islamic discussion of modest dress and personal conduct.
Textual foundations for modest dress appear in classical Islamic sources, most prominently in a Qur’anic framework. The Qur’an instructs believers concerning modesty and how women should present themselves in public spaces. Verses such as 24:31 and 33:59 are often cited in discussions of khimar and related coverings. In 24:31, believers are urged to “lower their gaze and guard their private parts” and to draw their veils over their bosoms. In 33:59, the Prophet is instructed to tell believing women to draw their outer garments over themselves when they go out. These verses have been interpreted by scholars across different schools of jurisprudence to mean that women outside the home should cover certain aspects of their adornment, with the khimar or similar coverings serving as a practical expression of that principle. Quran Hadith Islamic jurisprudence
Historical development and religious interpretation vary by time and place. Within the classical schools of Islamic law, different jurists offered nuanced prescriptions about the extent of coverage, the required attributes of the veil, and the contexts in which it should be worn. Some scholars emphasize covering the hair and neck and extending the veil to cover the chest, while others focus on covering the head and hair and allow more visibility of the face and arms. Over centuries, the khimar became a recognizable, culturally embedded form of modest attire in many Muslim communities, while the specific styles, fabrics, and seasons of dress diverged across regions. Islamic jurisprudence Islamic law Women in Islam
Cultural and geographic variation
Across the Muslim world and in diasporic communities, the khimar appears in many styles and is used in a range of social and cultural contexts. In some Gulf and North African contexts, the khimar is part of a broader ensemble that may include the jilbab or other outer garments, forming a cohesive modest-dress code. In South and Southeast Asia, as well as in parts of Africa, women may combine the khimar with regional headwraps, tunics, and robes that reflect local aesthetics while adhering to the same core modesty principles. In Western Europe and North America, many Muslim women adopt the khimar as a personal expression of faith and identity, often integrating it with contemporary fashion trends or modest-fashion lines. The practice can thus signal religious affiliation, cultural heritage, or personal preference, and it may be observed in both private and public settings. Middle East North Africa South Asia Southeast Asia Western Europe Diaspora
Legal and political debates
The wearing of the khimar intersects with broader questions about religious freedom, secularism, and gender norms. In many predominantly secular states, legal frameworks protect freedom of religion and expression, allowing individuals to wear religious attire, including the khimar, in public life and in schools or workplaces. At times, policymakers confront tensions between religious accommodations and concerns raised by opponents who argue that visible religious dress signals sectarian identity or entrenches gender norms. Some jurisdictions have enacted restrictions on visible religious symbols in specific settings (for example, in schools or public employment), while others have sought to preserve broad protections for religious dress. The debates often center on balancing civil liberties with secular perspectives on public life, safety considerations, and social cohesion.
From a traditionalist viewpoint, the khimar is part of a long-standing moral order that values modesty, personal responsibility, and family or community standards. Proponents argue that modest dress can reduce sexualization in public spaces, reinforce personal virtue, and support a cohesive social fabric built on shared norms. Critics—often labeled by observers as progressive or liberal—argue that mandatory or coerced dress codes infringe on individual autonomy and women's agency. In this frame, some criticisms are aimed at what they see as paternalistic mandates; in response, advocates of religious liberty emphasize the importance of voluntary choice and lawful protection of conscience. Proponents of religious dress frequently contend that attacks on the khimar as oppressive overlook the possibility that many women choose to wear it as an expression of faith and identity, not as a reflection of male domination. Those arguing from a stricter separation of state and religion may claim that public policy should neither compel nor prohibit personal religious attire, except where legitimate secular interests require otherwise. Critics of the latter view sometimes characterize such criticisms as overbearing or dismissive of deeply held beliefs, while supporters argue that preserving space for religious expression strengthens pluralism and social trust. In contemporary discourse, some critics frame these debates as a clash between modernization and tradition; supporters counter that religious practice is a legitimate component of cultural pluralism rather than a barrier to progress. (For comparative perspectives on religious dress and law, see freedom of religion and secularism.) France secularism Freedom of religion Secularism Islamic dress code
Contemporary practice and fashion
In modern life, the khimar has also become part of a broader modest-fashion movement. Designers and retailers in many markets offer khimar-friendly garments that blend traditional modesty with contemporary styling, enabling a wider range of women to observe their faith while engaging with current fashion trends. Social media and online communities have facilitated exchanges about materials, colors, and practicalities, helping to standardize certain styles while preserving local variations. Beyond fashion, the khimar remains embedded in daily routines—at home, in schools, in professional settings, and at religious gatherings—where it functions as a visible marker of belief, cultural identity, and personal choice. Modest fashion Fashion
See also