Burqa, Niqab, and Hijab: Face and Body Coverage Compared
16th June 2026
The difference is coverage. A hijab covers the hair, ears, and neck while leaving the face visible. A niqab covers the face except for the eyes and is usually worn with a headscarf and a loose robe. A burqa covers the whole body and the entire face, with a mesh screen or grille over the eyes so the wearer can see out.
The terms are often confused, but they are not interchangeable. All three are forms of Islamic modest dress worn by some Muslim women, shaped by region, religious interpretation, family tradition, and personal choice. The hijab is by far the most common worldwide. The niqab is worn by a smaller number of women, often in Gulf Arab countries and parts of South Asia. The full burqa is most associated with Afghanistan. The distinction matters because news coverage and political debate often use the words loosely.