August 28, 2004
A hijab is a headscarf that many Muslim women wear to cover their heads outside the home. For some, it is a sign of modesty and a statement about their identity as Muslims.
Many Muslims believe their faith requires wearing the hijab. In the Quran, Allah tells the Prophet Muhammad:
"O, Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around them (when they go out among men). That is better in order that they may be known (to be Muslims) and not annoyed. . . . (Quran 33:59)
The word "hijab" comes from the Arabic word "hajaba," meaning "to hide from view" or "to conceal."