Common Muslim Terminology and Their Meanings

Common Muslim terminology is shown below. Due to different countries and their regional language or terminology, there often are different names or spellings used for the same clothing. That is why some terms have more than one name shown.

Abaya

An Abaya is a robe or dress that Muslim women wear over their clothing to cover their body shapes as instructed in the Islamic religion.

Jilbab or Jelbab

Jilbabs are also a robe or dress but have a more western look and are more fashionable to wear. Most Muslim women wear a Jilbab over their clothing to cover their body shapes as instructed in the Islamic religion.

Niqab or Niquab

Niqab is a garment that enables Muslim women to cover their faces from non-mahram men. Niqab is widely used by Muslim women who believe in the Islamic teachings of covering ones face also (besides the head and hair) from non-mahram men.

Long Blouses, Kurtas & Tunics

Muslim women dress modestly and do not reveal their bodies by wearing tight clothing that reveals body shapes and Muslim contours. Women prefer wearing long tops and blouses over pants to cover the hip and waist area. These are often called Kurtas or Tunics.

Thobe, Jelbab or Dishdasha

Men also wear Jilbabs or Thobes to cover themselves properly as instructed in the Islamic religion. These are also often refered to as a Dishdasha.

Kufi

A hat or headcovering worn by Muslim Men to cover themselves as instructed in the Islamic religion.