Khimar

Khimar is a term used in Islamic contexts to describe a veil or head covering worn by some Muslim women. Traditionally, the khimar is a garment or scarf that begins at the top of the head and drapes down over the hair, neck, and shoulders, and in some styles extends to the waist or beyond. In many communities a khimar is worn with other modest garments, such as an abaya or loose outer clothing, to cover the body in accordance with local practice.

The word khimar comes from Arabic and appears in the Qur’an as part of guidance on modest dress. In 24:31, believers are instructed to guard their modesty and to draw their khimar over their bosoms; in 33:59, women are told to draw their veils over their bosoms as well. These verses have been interpreted in various ways by scholars and communities, leading to different practical implementations of khimar in terms of which parts of the head, neck, and chest are covered, and whether the face is left visible.

In contemporary usage, khimar is sometimes distinguished from broader terms like hijab, which can refer to a range of head coverings that conceal the hair but may not specify how the veil is worn over the chest. In practice, styles labeled as khimar vary by region and personal preference, ranging from simple headscarfs that drape over the shoulders to more substantial hooded or cape-like garments.

See also: hijab, niqab, burqa, abaya.