How should a woman traveller dress when visiting a Muslim country

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A. Muslim women usually wear long and loose clothing, sometimes covering their head and face, as part of their religious beliefs. Although western women are not expected to dress likewise, women travelling in Muslim countries should dress conservatively as a mark of respect for the host country's religion, customs and beliefs.

Q. How conservatively should I dress

A. In all Muslim countries, except for Iran where there are laws that dictate that foreign women have to be covered up, it is really up to the individual. But as a guideline, your legs and arms should be covered with loose, non-hugging clothing e.g. trousers, long skirts, long sleeved t-shirts or shirts especially when visiting non-Western areas. If you are staying in a large hotel with many westerners it will acceptable to wear your ordinary clothes, and you'll be able to swim in a swimming costume (preferably not a bikini) around the pool. Rules are often more rigid in mosques and holy places. You will not be allowed to enter if you are not dressed appropriately.

Q. What is the Muslim way of dressing, where the women's body is covered up, called

A. It is universally known as the hejab and refers to the covering up or concealment of the body through clothing and can include veils, headscarves, long robes or coats. The aim of the hejab is to encourage modesty and discourage impure thoughts or actions. In different countries the Qur'an's (often referred to as the Koran)instruction that women should dress modestly is interpreted differently, so women in some Muslim countries will be more covered up than others.

Q. Are Muslim women forced to cover their heads and bodies by men

A. No. The recent press coverage of human rights in Afghanistan has gone to town on the fact that most Afghani women were forced to wear a full chador and veil, with only a small grill through which to see by the Taliban. And while this fact is not disputed it is a very extreme case and should not be taken as a rule for all Muslim nations. Many Muslim women freely chose to cover up, their heads especially, or wear long clothes as part of their religion.

Q. What are the garments that Muslim women wear called

A. It can vary in different countries, but the most common terms are:

Chador: long, loose robe, often in black, that covers the head and body down to the feet

Shalwar Kamiz: an outfit of loose trousers and tunic (favoured in Pakistan).

Veil: covering for the face, usually with an open strip across the eyes so that a woman can see.

Scarf: should cover the hair (seen as a sign of women's sexuality), ears and neck.

Pardah or Purdah: refers to a state of dress i.e. in pardah and refers to a woman who chooses to cover up completely, including a veil, at all times when in public.

Q. Do Muslim girls have to cover up completely too

A. Muslim girls, who adhere to traditional clothing instruction, do not cover up until the age of 9.

Q. Are there any benefits for Western women covering up while visiting Muslim countries

A. Firstly, you will be more respected by the locals, as you'll be seen as respectful of their religion and culture.

Secondly, many women that have chosen to wear the chador for example have said that they feel more comfortable on the street as they are not stared at, not hassled to buy things as they don't look foreign and do not feel threatened - in some countries revealing clothing can mean that you're a prostitute, so many women travellers are unduly hassled or sneered at without knowing why.

Thirdly, it can open up new experiences for the woman traveller, for example you can be invited into women-only areas of souks (markets) or bathing areas which you would never know existed.

Q. Do Muslim men have to cover up too

A. The Qur'an teaches modesty for both men and women (Surah 24: verses 30-1) - and in most Muslim countries men will wear long, loose fitting robes and have their heads covered too.

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By Karen Anderson