Middle Eastern Bedouin Islamic clothing fashion abaya is evolving. It is not just a black robe anymore. It can be of different colors and fabrics. This long garment which covers most of the body is generally worn by women who are conservative Muslims belonging to the Salafiyyah movement. This movement is interchangeably identified with Wahhabism after the 18th century Arabian cleric Ibn Wahab.
A German intelligence report released in 2010 has identified this movement as the quickest spreading religious ideology among Muslims. Petrodollar rich followers are fueling its spread throughout Muslim world. These followers want others to share their beliefs that reflect a harsh culture. Petrodollars have supported a rise in women wearing this garment.
A Burqa should not be confused with this attire. As this South Asian garment is a long garment which in one piece covers the whole body. It has a distinguishing net opening enabling its wearer to look out. Abayas cover bodies below the neck and expose hair and faces. These can be covered with headscarves and a veils to provide coverage similar to a Burqa. Jilbabs are similar garments but rather than being robe like they are coats. Jilbabs do not cover hands.
Besides these three garments that provide maximum coverage, there are other kinds of religious attire. The Hijab is usually associated with headscarves. The Khimar is a round or triangular shaped headscarf. A Niqab covers the face. Of course, women who wear garments that provide maximum coverage that hides the face are more socially confined and do not interact with people as do women who do not wear such coverage. You will not find them working with men outside their home.
Bedouin tribes have long worn Abayas to protect them from rugged desert climate. Wealthy women wore them exclusively as a sign of status. However, they are associated today as a religious prescription for the purpose of protecting Muslim women from prying males. They symbolize a culture of men who are not civilized. Civilized males would not be expected to show disrespect for women who are not covered extensively. In this light it reflects continuation of a lawless time in the present time despite police protection. It is also a symbol of people wanting to identify with historic cultural practices.
This garment has been a long sleeved black robe traditionally without any decoration. Colored Abayas have traditionally had muted shades to discourage masculine interest. Before Islam arrived in this region, privileged women were the only ones able to wear it. They wore it to reveal their superior social status.
It may seem to westerners that an Abaya only comes in one style, but there are variations. Typically it depends on different countries and their traditions. In Far Eastern countries white is preferred. In Gulf countries colored versions with different fabrics and embellishments are becoming increasingly common.
New designers such as Eman Al Mandeel have infused a new fashion sense today. She represents a new breed of designers willing to try new things. Women who do not want to deny their femininity have embraced such designs. Women in the Gulf region and more conservative Saudi Arabia alike have accepted more fashionable designs in Islamic clothing fashion abaya styles.
A German intelligence report released in 2010 has identified this movement as the quickest spreading religious ideology among Muslims. Petrodollar rich followers are fueling its spread throughout Muslim world. These followers want others to share their beliefs that reflect a harsh culture. Petrodollars have supported a rise in women wearing this garment.
A Burqa should not be confused with this attire. As this South Asian garment is a long garment which in one piece covers the whole body. It has a distinguishing net opening enabling its wearer to look out. Abayas cover bodies below the neck and expose hair and faces. These can be covered with headscarves and a veils to provide coverage similar to a Burqa. Jilbabs are similar garments but rather than being robe like they are coats. Jilbabs do not cover hands.
Besides these three garments that provide maximum coverage, there are other kinds of religious attire. The Hijab is usually associated with headscarves. The Khimar is a round or triangular shaped headscarf. A Niqab covers the face. Of course, women who wear garments that provide maximum coverage that hides the face are more socially confined and do not interact with people as do women who do not wear such coverage. You will not find them working with men outside their home.
Bedouin tribes have long worn Abayas to protect them from rugged desert climate. Wealthy women wore them exclusively as a sign of status. However, they are associated today as a religious prescription for the purpose of protecting Muslim women from prying males. They symbolize a culture of men who are not civilized. Civilized males would not be expected to show disrespect for women who are not covered extensively. In this light it reflects continuation of a lawless time in the present time despite police protection. It is also a symbol of people wanting to identify with historic cultural practices.
This garment has been a long sleeved black robe traditionally without any decoration. Colored Abayas have traditionally had muted shades to discourage masculine interest. Before Islam arrived in this region, privileged women were the only ones able to wear it. They wore it to reveal their superior social status.
It may seem to westerners that an Abaya only comes in one style, but there are variations. Typically it depends on different countries and their traditions. In Far Eastern countries white is preferred. In Gulf countries colored versions with different fabrics and embellishments are becoming increasingly common.
New designers such as Eman Al Mandeel have infused a new fashion sense today. She represents a new breed of designers willing to try new things. Women who do not want to deny their femininity have embraced such designs. Women in the Gulf region and more conservative Saudi Arabia alike have accepted more fashionable designs in Islamic clothing fashion abaya styles.
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