Can Non Muslims Wear Abaya?

If you are not Muslim and you are wondering about the question of whether you can wear an abaya, then you are in the right place. In fact, many non Muslims are actually doing just that. Some of the celebrities who have worn an abaya include Mariah Carey, Rifhat Qureshi, and Rihanna. Regardless of your reasons for wanting to wear an abaya, there are a few things you need to know about the abaya.


Hijab vs abaya

There is a long tradition of abayas and hijab in the Middle East, but the two can also be found in other places around the world. In the Middle East, the abaya is a long loose-fitting robe which covers the entire body, except the hands. It's traditionally black, but you'll find them in a wide variety of colors.

Similarly, the hijab is a long covering, usually with a hood. While it's not as practical as the abaya, it's a great way to show your religious devotion.

Hijab and abaya are two of the most widely worn items in the Muslim world, especially in the Middle East. They are a combination of modesty and fashion. These garments are an expression of religious devotion and the cultural identity of Muslims.

Hijab is a head covering that covers a woman's head, neck, and shoulders. Some styles are patterned or embroidered, while others are plain. Although they are meant to be worn by women, men are allowed to wear them.

The abaya is a type of cloak, traditionally black in colour. Often, they have a hood which is an obvious statement of Islamic modesty. Other abayas are more subtle and can be closed at the front or the back. Abayas are typically made of soft flowing polyester fabrics. You can find abayas in a range of colours and sizes.

If you're planning a trip to the Middle East, you should probably purchase an abaya before you go. In the Middle East, these robes are so popular that you'll be surprised to see how many of them you'll spot in your travels.

Unlike the abaya, the hijab isn't limited to women. Men can wear them, and non-Muslims can also wear them. Non-Muslims may find them a cultural touchstone, while Islamic men might consider them a sign of oppression.

However, the hijab isn't always the most important item of clothing in the Islamic world. Other Islamic clothing might be a better fit for your needs. Besides abayas and hijab, other options include jilbabs and burqas.


Saudi Arabia's work dress code

While Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country, its dress code for women is more relaxed than in previous years. However, visitors should keep in mind that the government still follows conservative interpretations of Islam. For men, wearing shorts is prohibited in public spaces.

Women should also cover their hair and shoulders. Some wear abayas, a traditional robe that covers their entire body. Others opt for a niqab, which means their eyes are visible.

Women who travel to the kingdom should select loose outfits that cover their chest and shoulders. They should not wear revealing tops or short skirts, which can draw negative attention.

Men should avoid wearing shorts, as these are prohibited in mosques and government offices. Shirts with sleeves are also recommended.

Women should also wear high necklines. They should also cover their knees and arms. To do so, they can choose to wear abayas, boshiyas, or pashminas.

If women want to visit public beaches, they can opt for bikinis. Previously, they had to wear abayas. In 2017, the new Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, allowed women to drive cars.

Women have been pushing for more freedom and equality in the country. The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage advises visitors to dress modestly in public. This includes covering their hair, faces, and legs.

Men should also avoid wearing tank tops, as these are not permitted in the Kingdom. Similarly, women should choose to wear shirts with sleeves.

Abayas and pashminas can be worn by foreign women. Foreign men should wear dark-colored business suits. Likewise, women should wear business shoes that are appropriate for their workplace.

In addition to the traditional garments, visitors should consider wearing opaque fabrics. T-shirts and polo shirts are also recommended.

There are also certain rules for Western men visiting the Kingdom. Although shirts with sleeves are accepted, tank tops and shorts are not.

Shorts are also not permitted outside of pools. But there are some exceptions. Private beaches allow swimsuits.

While the government remains largely conservative, women in the Kingdom have introduced more colorful abayas. They have also allowed some women to wear uncovered hair in certain settings.


Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey has been putting the abaya to good use in the holiday season. In fact, the star has taken to wearing one during her shows in both New York and Toronto. She will be performing the Christmas song during the Rockefeller Center's tree lighting ceremony and also at a series of concerts.

While it's hard to imagine a star in a dress as fancy as Carey's, it's not unheard of. The average Saudi earns approximately $2,600 a month. And even a modest salary is a big jump from the days when women were forced into loose black robes. Many women cover their hair, or at least a good portion of it, as a matter of religious piety.

Of course, it's hard to ignore the fact that Mariah Carey is the first major international artist to perform in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade. As the country continues to modernize, other famous faces could face a similar dilemma. But the crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, has been busy remaking the country's economy and society. He's even arranged for the likes of Beyonce and Jay-Z to perform in the Kingdom.

The best part about Carey's visit is that it will be broadcast on a number of television networks. She'll appear on both CBS and MTV, and also have a two-hour primetime concert special. Even better, the concert will be aired on demand through Paramount+. Hopefully that will give her plenty of time to get her act together. This isn't the first time Carey has been asked to wear an abaya, but it's the first time she's opted to do it on the grandest scale.

The most impressive thing about the aforementioned abaya-themed concert is that it's taking place in a more central location than the traditional venue in Mecca. Historically, religious police have enforced strict gender segregation. That is, until recently. Abaya-wearing women are permitted in certain areas of the kingdom, but are required to cover their heads. It's a challenge, but one that Carey's team is tackling with gusto.


Rifhat Qureshi

Rifhat Qureshi, a mother of three who lives in Cardiff, has opened a fashion store to cater for Muslim women and converts who want to dress modestly. Abayas (loose robe-like garments) are traditionally black, but Modest Trends offers modern designs in various colours. The store is a part of the "B1G1 business for good" initiative, and a percentage of each hijab sale is donated to charity. It also works with influencers on Instagram to promote the brand and its products.

While working as an enterprise officer at Cardiff University, Rifhat was aware of the challenges faced by young Muslim women in buying modest clothing. She was also frustrated by the lack of Islamic garments available on the high street. In fact, she says she sometimes has to drive to Birmingham or London to find a decent piece of religious clothing. This led her to take action.

She decided to set up Modest Trends, a company that targets young Muslim women in the 16-35 age range. Her aim is to provide the Muslim community with a range of quality, ethical fashion. Through the company, she works with small scale suppliers to produce religious clothes for the community. Many of these suppliers are from Muslim communities, and rely on additional income from sales.

She has been supported by the Development Bank of Wales, which is keen to support new businesses with start-up costs. Though she was reluctant to take out a loan because of her religious beliefs, the bank was supportive and wishes her well.

Rifhat is hoping to establish a one-stop shop for Muslim women in the future, but for now she is focused on spreading the word about Modest Trends. She plans to begin an MSc in Business Strategy and Entrepreneurship at Cardiff University in 2020. She also intends to launch a sportswear line soon. Ultimately, she wants to create employment opportunities for Muslim women in the UK, and help them learn new skills that can make them more employable.

Despite her challenges, she is committed to the work she is doing. As she says: "We have a responsibility to each other and to the environment, and I'm trying to do my part to change the face of modest clothing.