Defference between Hijab, Niqab and clothes of showing off

Difference between Hijab, Niqab

and clothes of showing off

Third question of Fatwa no. 3618 


Q 3: What is the ruling on Hijab (veil)? What is the difference between Hijab and Niqab? Finally, what is hijab of fame? 


A: Hijab is the Wajib (obligatory) covering of women to their `Awrah (private parts of the body that must be covered in public) including their faces in the presence of non-Mahrams (not spouses or unmarriageable relatives). 


(Part No. 17; Page No. 169) 


Abandoning Hijab is Haram (prohibited) and is called Sufur. On the other hand, Niqab is the face veil that women wear and make openings for their eyes to be able to see. As for dress of fame, this refers to attractive clothes which arouse astonishment and laughter. However, garments that cover the `Awrah are not dresses of fame for they do not arouse astonishment or laughter except for foolish people of weak Din (religion). May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions! 




Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' 


Chairman `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz 
Deputy Chairman `Abdul-Razzaq `Afify 
Member `Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan 
Member `Abdullah ibn Qa`ud 


Source: Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' 


الفرق بين الحجاب والنقاب ولباس الشهرة