Abaya vs. Burqa — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 21, 2024
An abaya is a loose, robe-like dress worn by some Muslim women, covering the body except for the head, feet, and hands, while a burqa covers the entire body including the face, often leaving just a mesh screen to see through.
Difference Between Abaya and Burqa
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An abaya is a simple, flowing fabric garment that covers the body except for the head, hands, and feet. It is commonly worn in the Middle East and among Muslim women around the world as a form of modest dress. Typically, the abaya is black, but it can come in various colors and styles, often adorned with patterns, embroidery, or sequins. On the other hand, the burqa is a more concealing garment that covers the entire body from head to toe, including the face. It is characterized by a mesh screen or a grille over the eyes, allowing the wearer to see without being seen. The burqa is predominantly worn in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan, and its use is deeply influenced by cultural and regional practices.
While the abaya is widely recognized for its elegance and simplicity, often worn over regular clothes when in public or in the presence of men who are not family members, the burqa represents a higher level of modesty and privacy, dictated by cultural norms or personal choice. The abaya serves as a symbol of modesty and religious faith but allows for more interaction with society, whereas the burqa offers more privacy and anonymity, making it a subject of international debate on women's rights and religious freedom.
Both garments reflect the Islamic emphasis on modesty, but the choice between wearing an abaya or a burqa is influenced by individual belief, cultural tradition, and regional laws. Some countries have laws or norms that influence women's choices in wearing these garments, while in other places, the decision is left to personal or family preference.
The distinction between an abaya and a burqa is significant in terms of visibility and interaction with the outside world. While an abaya wearer's face and hands are visible, allowing for more direct communication and interaction, the burqa's design limits visibility of the wearer's face, leading to different social and cultural implications for communication and identity.
Comparison Chart
Coverage
Covers body except for head, feet, and hands.
Covers entire body, including the face.
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Face Visibility
Head is uncovered, allowing face visibility.
Includes a mesh screen for the eyes, covering the face.
Cultural Usage
Predominantly worn in the Middle East and among Muslims globally.
Mainly worn in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan.
Symbolism
Represents modesty and religious faith.
Represents higher level of modesty and privacy.
Interaction
Allows for direct communication and interaction.
Limits visibility of the wearer's face, affecting interaction.
Compare with Definitions
Abaya
A long, flowing dress worn for modesty by Muslim women.
She wore a beautifully embroidered abaya to the evening gathering.
Burqa
A garment covering the entire body, including the face, with a mesh screen for the eyes.
In the streets of Kabul, women in blue burqas were a common sight.
Abaya
Often black but available in various colors and styles.
The market had abayas ranging from simple black to vibrant colors with detailed patterns.
Burqa
Offers a high level of privacy and modesty.
Wearing a burqa, she felt a sense of privacy in the crowded marketplace.
Abaya
Allows face and hands visibility for interaction.
While wearing her abaya, her expressive eyes and gestures communicated her thoughts clearly.
Burqa
Predominantly worn in certain Islamic countries.
The burqa is more commonly worn in Afghanistan than in many other Muslim-majority countries.
Abaya
Worn over regular clothes in public spaces.
She donned her abaya before stepping out for the market.
Burqa
Limits facial visibility, affecting social interaction.
The burqa's mesh screen obscured her facial expressions, making communication more challenging.
Abaya
Symbolizes modesty and religious observance.
Her choice of a modest abaya reflected her personal beliefs.
Burqa
A subject of international debate on women's rights.
The use of the burqa has sparked discussions on autonomy and freedom.
Abaya
The abaya "cloak" (colloquially and more commonly, Arabic: عباية ʿabāyah, especially in Literary Arabic: عباءة ʿabā'ah; plural عبايات ʿabāyāt, عباءات ʿabā'āt), sometimes also called an aba, is a simple, loose over-garment, essentially a robe-like dress, worn by some women in parts of the Muslim world including North Africa and Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula. Traditional abayat are black and may be either a large square of fabric draped from the shoulders or head or a long kaftan.
Burqa
A burqa or burka (Arabic: برقع), also known as a chadaree (Pashto: چادري) in Afghanistan or a paranja (Russian: паранджа́; Tatar: пәрәнҗә) in Central Asia, is an enveloping outer garment which covers the body and the face that is worn by women in some Islamic traditions. The Arab version of the burqa is called the boshiya, and is usually black in color.
Abaya
A loose robe worn by Muslim women, especially in Arabic-speaking regions, covering the body from head to toe or the neck down and often worn with a headscarf and veil. Also called aba.
Burqa
A loose, usually black or light blue outer garment worn by Muslim women that covers the head and face and sometimes the entire body.
Abaya
Synonym of aba
Burqa
Alternative spelling of burka.
Abaya
(Arabic) a loose black robe from head to toe; traditionally worn by Muslim women
Burqa
A loose garment (usually with veiled holes for the eyes) worn by Muslim women especially in India and Pakistan;
The Taliban forced all women to wear the burqa
Common Curiosities
How do Muslim women choose between wearing an abaya or a burqa?
The choice can depend on personal belief, cultural background, legal requirements, and social norms of their community or country.
What is the main difference between an abaya and a burqa?
The main difference is coverage: the abaya covers the body except for the head, hands, and feet, while the burqa covers the entire body, including the face.
Can the abaya and burqa be worn together?
Typically, they are worn separately as they serve similar purposes of modesty, but the burqa offers more comprehensive coverage, including the face.
Is the burqa banned in some countries?
Yes, some countries have enacted laws restricting or banning the wearing of burqas in public spaces, citing security or integration concerns.
Are abayas only available in black?
No, while black is traditional, abayas come in various colors and styles to suit personal preferences and cultural variations.
Is it mandatory to wear a burqa in some countries?
In certain regions, particularly in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, wearing a burqa has been mandated by law or strong social norms.
Do abayas and burqas signify oppression?
Perspectives vary widely; some see them as symbols of religious devotion or cultural identity, while others view them as restrictive, depending on the context and choice involved.
How does wearing a burqa affect daily activities?
The burqa can limit visibility and mobility, affecting daily activities, though many women adapt to these challenges.
Can abayas be fashion statements?
Yes, many designers and wearers treat abayas as fashion statements, incorporating contemporary styles and trends.
Are there any alternatives to the abaya and burqa for Muslim women?
Other garments like the hijab, niqab, and jilbab offer varying levels of modesty and coverage, reflecting diverse practices across the Muslim world.
What materials are abayas and burqas made from?
They are typically made from lightweight, breathable fabrics; however, the specific material can vary based on climate, tradition, and personal preference.
How do non-Muslims perceive the abaya and burqa?
Perceptions vary, with some admiring them as cultural or religious attire, while others may misunderstand them due to cultural differences or stereotypes.
How do wearers see through a burqa?
A burqa includes a mesh screen or grille over the eyes, allowing the wearer to see out without showing her face.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
