Islamic dressing itself is culturally and religiously very meaningful for women of Bangladesh. Two of the simple Islamic garments – the Hijab and Burka – are well-known examples of apparel so spiritually significant for Muslim women. While both are used in religious and cultural practices they embody two different styles, degrees of cover, and different connotations of the concept of veil.

In the case of Bangladesh, the discussion regarding Hijab and Burka is social and religious. It is important to note the differences between both to honor women’s decisions about what to wear. 

What is a Hijab?

The Hijab is an especially important piece of material that covers the hair, neck, and ears leaving the face uncovered for women. The word Hijab is derived from the Arabic word Hajaba which means to cover or shield from sight. The Hijab is normally understood as a veil and many Muslim women wear it to cover their hair and neck thus it is used symbolically in the religious sphere.

Due to its acceptable practice in the region of Bangladesh, people specifically women of almost all ages prefer to dress in Hijab typically in urban cities. It is thus regarded not only as a faith but also as a ceremonial practice. The hijab is worn in various styles but women tend to incorporate the piece to fit into modern trends. Hijabs come in simple form as well as in the form of sophisticated material with a variety of bright colors and well-articulated designs such that women can express their personalities without compromising on the Islamic dressing code.

Different Styles of Hijab in Bangladesh

● Shawl Hijab: This may be any large piece of clothing material that is wrapped around the neck followed by the head with loose ends being at the back.

● Al-Amira Hijab: This is a two-part dressing-dress part where a tight cap is worn with a long scarf draped on the body. Particularly the blue dress is easy to wear and usually chosen due to certain comfort aspects.

● Turban Style: One of the recent sophisticated styles among young women in Bangladesh is being labeled as. This is worn around the head like a turban and exposes the neck and the ears.

● Pashmina Hijab: This hijab is a favorite during winter because aside from being soft, slim, and made from wool, it can double up as a shawl.

Cultural and Religious Significance of the Hijab in Bangladesh

Based on the survey carried out in the study, Hijab is known in Bangladesh as a sign of faith, sexual purity, and self-identification. Some women wear the Hijab because it is mandatory in their religion due to the virtue of modesty based on the Islamic religion whereas others wear it as part of their culture which has a cultural association with their religion. There is no legal provision regulating women’s Hijab use in Bangladesh even though most female Muslims wear the Hijab.

The Hijab works for women in the way they choose to deal with their relationship with God. In a given society that upholds the norms of family and the community, the Hijab also has cultural and religious connotations. However, it is to be mentioned that each female Muslim citizen in Bangladesh doesn't need to wear a Hijab, it is individual discretion based on individual will.

What is a Burka?

A Burka or Burqa is a full veil that covers the entire part of the body including the face. The eyes are also masked by a mesh screen or covered by a netted fabric so that the wearer may have a vision while ensuring that his privacy is well protected. The Burka is one of the most restrictive garments used by women in Islam and is often associated with more traditional countries.

The Burka is less popular in Bangladesh than the Hijab, however women who have a preference for a more strict Islamic code dress in Burka. Historically the Burka is linked to the Middle East and South Asia, but it can be observed in different areas of Bangladesh, especially in rural or more traditional areas.

Types of Burkas

● Full-Body Burka: This form also commonly known as the Burka, entails entirely concealing the woman, the head, neck, and face with only a mesh or net screen for the face.

● Niqab with Burka: The Niqab is a veil that covers the head and face completely leaving to eye area only exposed. When it is worn with a Burka, it offers full coverage for the individual and everyone that is around them.

● Two-Piece Burka: There are some types of Burkas, which are made in two pieces – one piece that covers a woman’s body and another one that covers her head, and this is normally accompanied by a facial veil.

Cultural and Religious Significance of the Burka

The Burka evolution embodies a more reserved manner of observing Islamic standards of decency. This type of niqab is commonly used by women who follow ultra-strict Shariah law on dressing code for women. In Bangladesh Burka is worn mostly because of faith or culture for several generations in the family are worn or this dress is used.

While the Burka is usually worn either in the country or in other Muslim-conservative societies, it is quite rare to see women wearing the Burka in urban areas, especially in populated cities. The practice of putting on the Burka depends on family practices, religious beliefs, or even community standards.

Top Hijab and Burka Collection in Piara Bazar

If you are looking for Islamic clothing like hijab and burka, check out these top picks at Piara Bazar -

1. Turnkey Solid Islamic Long-Wearing Belt Nida Dress Abaya

From Turkey with exquisite fashion from Dubai, this is an abaya made from Nida fabric; it is soft to the touch, durable, and very elegant. Long and loose for the most part, it reaches up to the ankles and features a stylish belt at the waist to add a more lively touch to this kind of abaya and give the wearer a better fit. Get this for only 1550 BDT from Piara Bazar!

Features of the Turkey Solid Nida Abaya

● High-Quality Nida Fabric: Nida fabric is very popular due to its cut, flannel, light, and absorbs heat well which is why they are perfect to make abayas. It covers delicately and offers coolness during the day irrespective of the season experienced.

● Stylish Belt: Coming with a belt means that the cloth can be worn in many different styles. It gives a little touch of the modern look without compromising the Muslim woman’s adherence to the code of dress.

● Solid Color Design: It has simple shades, mostly plain colors which are classy and do not complicate the outfit with other accessories like hairstyles, shoes, and bags. These simple designs make it possible to use the abaya for various occasions, whether casual or official.

● Long-Wearing Durability: The Nida fabric is soft on the touch and also very strong which makes the abaya long-wearing and a go-to material whenever you want to dress appropriately.

2. High-Quality Moroccan Muslim Dresses

Moroccan Muslim dresses are special in their cut and design and may come with elaborate stitch work, loose-fitted appearance, and the finest of woven fabrics. These are dresses that cover the whole body of the wearer while at the same time giving a rather elegant look. They are ideal for Muslim women who desire to be fashionable and dress modestly at the same time. Find this for only 1800 BDT at Piara Bazar!

Features of High-Quality Moroccan Muslim Dresses

● Elegant Designs: These dresses are well done with intricate embroidery and other forms of decoration that give it a touch of elegance.

● Comfortable Fabrics: These dresses are crafted out of highly affordable fabrics such as Chiffon, silk, and comfortable cotton mixtures. The fabrics used are light and strong at the same time so that the dresses are hot weather friendly and can be worn all seasons.

● Flowing Silhouettes: These Moroccan dresses are flowing in nature, which makes it easy for women to move around without much exposure to their bodies. They are created with a view of fitting different body sizes and shapes hence appealing to women who prefer comfortable yet classy clothing.

● Five Stunning Colors: The collection is available in five beautiful shades, which were chosen to be most appropriate for people with different types of skin and personalities.

3. Modest Women Abaya Islamic Clothing Muslim Long Dresses For Women

An abaya is essentially a black dress, a kind of gown that covers the whole body except for the hands, face, and feet. Modern abayas also differ in designs, colors, and materials used and can therefore be worn at work or during business and other formal occasions. This is available for only 1500 BDT on our website!

Features and Functions

The Wholesale Modest Women’s Abaya collection is designed with the modern Muslim woman in mind, combining classic styles with contemporary elements to cater to a wide range of preferences.

● Variety of Designs: These are currently available in different styles, the simple black abaya gown of Islamic custom and others with more bright colors and embroidery. A few of these abayas include designs that have embroidery, lace, or even beads and give each dress a touch of class and distinction.

● Quality Fabrics: These abayas are designed from tissues like crepe, chiffon, and jersey; all these fabrics are chosen for strength, flexibility, and ease of washing.

● Modest Fit: These are custom-made to give full coverage as they do not fit tightly, and they have been well-designed to give a beautiful and flowing drape over the body.

● Practical Features: Most of the abayas presented in the collection have extra pieces such as pockets, front zippers, and snap buttons that make the clothes comfortable for daily wear.

4. Saudi Women Hijab Giftbox Mix All Colour Hijab Set 

The Saudi Women Hijab Giftbox is a neat collection of hijabs for women, that range from different types of hijabs and their fabric. It consists of Jersey hijabs, Chiffon hijabs, and Cotton hijabs, all of which have different characteristics and properties. This set will cost you only 1640 BDT!

Features and Functions

The hijabs in the Saudi Women Hijab Giftbox are made from three distinct fabrics: Jersey, chiffon, and cotton. Each fabric offers different features and functions: 

● Jersey Hijabs: Jersey hijabs are tight and soft, ideal for everyday use since they offer a good fit around the head and neck area. They are convenient, and comfortable during the day because they do not need any pins to keep the hijab in place.

● Chiffon Hijabs: Chiffon hijabs are very flexible and provide some air circulation being very light this gives a little class to the outfit. They are ideal to wear when going to business or corporate meetings and they give your clothing a majestic flair. Their sheer fabric means that they can be worn as layers, and optimally used as part of an outfit.

● Cotton Hijabs: Cotton hijabs are famous for their breathability. They can wick moisture away from the body which is perfect for warm weather. You can wash cotton hijabs as often as you want! So, these are the most convenient in our day-to-day life.

Key Differences Between Hijab and Burka

1. Coverage: The main and probably the only distinguishes between the Hijab and the Burka is the extent of the concealment. The Hijab is worn from the top of the head to just below the neck, with the face exposed while the Burka hides the hair and the whole face except for a mesh or net-like thing for the eyes.

2. Cultural Acceptance: The Hijab can be worn in Bangladesh as it is considered a cultural as well as religious dress. The Burka however is more rare and is usually worn in the conservative or rural region. The Hijab is seen as fashionable while the Burka is seen as old-school.

3. Fashion and Style: The Hijab comes in a wider range of styles and in the fashion industry, this is usually an advantage. Nonetheless, for the Hijab, women have a wide range of colors, materials, and styles, apart from being modest, one can be trendy while wearing it. The Burka on the other hand is far more standard and commonly conceals the whole body and offers less opportunity to vary and express through style.

4. Mobility: The Hijab liberates a little more of the body because the face is covered and facilitates day-to-day life interactions. The second type, the Burka, though, may be able to present more limitations as it covers a part of the face, which hinders both, sight and movement.

5. Symbolism: The Hijab and Burka both signify the Islamic value of decent dressing and devotion to Allah, but may have distinct meanings in certain situations. The Hijab is perceived as equal to Bangladeshi tradition while the Burka is considered equivalent to the fundamentalism of Islam.

Conclusion

In Bangladesh, Hijab is culturally and religiously important just as the Burka is. Although the Hijab has evolved to externality a modern and fashionable look of a Muslim woman, the Burka remains the ultimate iconic symbol of conservativeness in many societies.

Since the trend of online shopping has grown in Bangladesh, there are many outlets available today such as Piara Bazar that offer Islamic clothing such as hijabs and burkas. On this line, Piara Bazar has a variety of styles, fabrics, and colors in its stock to address the needs of women who embrace modest fashion. This is especially good news for women in need of a casual Hijab, fashion accessories for a formal occasion, or even the traditional Burka Women can shop through categories of Hijabs, Burkas, Abayas, and many more modest wears with a brief description and ratings to guide any buyer.