Hijab
In modern usage, hijab ( Arabic : حجاب , romanized : ḥijāb , pronounced [ħɪˈdʒaːb] ) generally refers to various head coverings conventionally worn by many Muslim women. [1] While a hijab can come in many forms, it often specifically refers to a headscarf, wrapped around the head, covering the hair, neck and ears, but leaving the face visible. [2] [3] The use of the hijab has been on the rise worldwide since the 1970s and is viewed by many Muslims as expressing modesty and faith. [2] There is a consensus among Islamic religious scholars that covering the head is either required or preferred, though some Muslim scholars and activists argue that it is not mandated. [4] [5] [6] [7] According to the Harvard University Pluralism Project: "Some Muslim women cover their head only during prayer in the mosque; other Muslim women wear the hijab; still others may cover their head with a turban or a loosely draped scarf." [8] The te...