generalspeaking

Distinctive Dress Codes - Fashionable Islam

The all-enveloping burka (usually blue, with mesh over the eyes) is technically optional, but mandatory in conservative areas, particularly those with a predominately Taliban presence.

In secular Egypt, Islamic dress is optional, but increasing numbers of women wear the headscarf. Face veils (niqab) are rare.

Iranian women must wear either the all-enveloping black chador, preferred by conservatives and government officials, including policewomen (who add black trousers to their uniform), or a headscarf/overcoat combination worn over trousers. The face may remain uncovered.

Salwar kameez, tunics over pants, with a dupatta, a long scarf that can be used to cover the head, are standard.

Saudi women must wear the abaya, tarha, and niqab in public. The garments must be loose and dark-coloured. Some authorities say only one eye should be exposed in a bid to discourage eye makeup.

Pants are considered un-Islamic and wearers can be fined and flogged even if they are not Muslim. Headscarves are a must.

Lubna Hussein, a former journalist working for the United Nations wore green slacks in a restaurant along with other women and all were charged by the 'vice and virtues' police of public indecency, earning them 40 lashes and a fine. Because she has made a public issue of this matter, inviting international press to witness her day in court, she has also been charged with defaming police. She will not seek immunity from Sudanese law, as a UN employee, insisting that the case continue and that the unjust law to repress women's rights be fought. Women in Sudan are responding, dressing themselves in slacks and jeans, waving signs reading "Lashing people is against human rights".

Headscarves are banned from schools, government offices and public places. Wearers risk being stopped in the street by police and ordered to remove them.

The Hamas-led government in Gaza has approved guidelines requiring modesty patrols to ensure women wear head coverings. Hamas's Gaza's chief justice has ruled that female lawyers must wear a headscarf and long, dark coloured cloak under their billowing black robes. Islamic law, it was stressed, requires women to cover themselves in public, wear loose garments, and show only hands and faces.

Labels: Human Rights, Middle East, Religion

posted by Pieface @ Thursday, July 30, 2009