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Culture & Lifestyle • Religious Clothing

Niqab

The niqab is a face veil worn by some Muslim women that covers the face while leaving the eyes visible.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The niqab is a face veil worn by some Muslim women that covers the face while leaving the eyes visible. It is commonly worn with other modest clothing and is associated with certain interpretations of hijab in Islam. Scholarly views differ on whether it is religiously required, recommended, or optional.

Description

The niqab is a veil that covers the face and leaves the eyes visible. It is worn by some Muslim women, often together with a headscarf and loose clothing.

Religious interpretation

The niqab is associated with interpretations of modest dress in Islam, but it is not universally regarded as compulsory. Sources note that scholarly opinion varies, with many scholars viewing it as non-mandatory.

Difference from hijab and burqa

Hijab usually refers to covering the hair and neck while leaving the face visible. The burqa covers the body and face more fully than the niqab, often including a screen or mesh over the eyes.

Use and social context

The niqab is worn in several Muslim communities around the world, including in the Middle East and South Asia. It has also been the subject of legal and social debate in some countries.

Key facts

  • The niqab is a cloth face covering worn by some Muslim women.
  • It typically leaves the eyes uncovered.
  • It is usually worn with a headscarf and other modest clothing.
  • It is distinct from the hijab, which generally covers the hair and neck but not the face.
  • Muslim scholars differ on whether covering the face is required in Islam.
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Canadian context

In Canada, the niqab has been part of public discussion about religious freedom, identity, and accommodation in schools, workplaces, and government settings.

Frequently asked questions

What is a niqab?
A niqab is a face veil worn by some Muslim women that leaves the eyes uncovered.
Is the niqab the same as hijab?
No. Hijab usually refers to a head covering that leaves the face visible, while the niqab covers the face except for the eyes.
Is the niqab required in Islam?
There is no universal agreement. Many Muslim scholars do not consider it compulsory, while some groups view it as required or recommended.
Where is the niqab commonly worn?
It is especially associated with the Arabian Peninsula, but it is also worn by some Muslim women in other regions and diaspora communities.
What does the niqab cover?
It covers the face, usually from below the eyes downward, while leaving the eyes visible.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niqab
    Supports: Definition, coverage, regional use, and scholarly disagreement over whether it is compulsory.
  2. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/niqab
    Supports: Definition as a veil covering hair and face except the eyes.
  3. Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/niqab
    Supports: Definition as cloth worn by some Muslim women to cover the whole face except the eyes.
  4. BBC — https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/beliefs/niqab_1.shtml
    Supports: Description of the niqab, distinction from hijab, and regions where it is worn.
  5. The National WWI Museum and Memorial — https://www.theworldwar.org/learn/about-wwi/niqab
    Supports: Niqab as part of hijab in some interpretations and note that scholarly views differ on face veiling.