Niqab

I won't be offended if you're too lazy to read this whole post (don't tell me though), but if nothing else make sure to read point #4.

Through the crowded streets of Cairo, many women can be seen wearing the niqab- the infamous face veil. To be honest, I did not anticipate how widespread this look would be. For comparison, I don’t recall personally encountering any women wearing niqab in Indonesia (I’ll definitely have to consult my notes for that one) but I certainly never saw the entire ensemble that goes with it.

The niqab is comprised of a black headscarf that only has one slit for each eye and is worn with a traditional black abaya and usually black gloves and shoes/socks. Something like this: (sorry I’m not able to upload one of my own photos yet!)






So, back to the niqab in Egypt… Many people are against the niqab for a few reasons and there have been a few issues regarding it:

1. It never mentions the niqab in al-Qur’an. In fact, there is nothing that overtly states covering the face in any part is obligatory. It is most widely believed that Muslim women must cover everything but the face, hands, and feet. The women who wear the niqab are seen as going beyond and above what is required and therefore puts them on the fast-track to paradise where they are certain to secure a top spot. As one man explained to me, “Women who wear the hijab are good, but women who wear the niqab are very, very good.” This makes for a weird dynamic between women who “only” wear the hijab and those opting for the more conservative and pious option.

2. There have been many bans on niqab in various countries. Sawsan told me about an instance within the last year where some girls were not allowed to enter the international house at the American University of Cairo because they were wearing niqab.. naturally a lot of controversy and debate surfaced over that one. (why does everything negative in the media seem to have America's name on it?)

3. Women are not allowed to take ID and passport pictures in Egypt while wearing the niqab. Additionally, sometimes women are required to remove their face-veil when going through security to make sure they are actually them. Which leads me to my next point…

4. Men have been known to wear the niqab. Huh? Swish that around. Yes, there have been instances where MEN, notably very bad men, have reportedly worn the niqab to pretend they are women in order to… fill in the blank. Needless to say, ever since this thought was put in my mind I look at women in niqab differently. Or should I say, I look at their hands and listen to their voice to make sure they actually are women. CREEPY.

Hope that was interesting. I’m actually going to meet with a woman who wears the niqab tomorrow so perhaps I will have some more anecdotal information soon.


On a less educational note, I went to the Egyptian Museum yesterday. It (much like Cairo itself) was cluttered, confusing, dusty, and amazing. Seeing the gold sarcophagus and mask of King Tut and the mummy of Queen Hatshepsut made my sixth grade history book come to life. Truly remarkable treasures in there, but being inches from a mummy is kind of spooky.


Hope everyone is enjoying the snow! Try and make snow pyramids haha.

I am enjoying my 70 degree weather, even with all the dust.