What Is The Difference Between Jilbabs And An Abaya?

Jilbabs and Abayas are often used as synonyms for each other as their core purpose is the same. They both are different forms of veil that Muslim women use to conceal their bodies.

However, some key differences between Abayas and Jilbabs can determine what will work out best for you. This post will equip you with accurate knowledge about key differences between them so you can confidently make the best choice for yourself.

What Is A Jilbab?

Jilbabs are a common Muslim womenswear used to cover the awrah of Muslimahs. They are made of a single cloth that covers the body from head to ankles, only leaving out the face, hands, and feet. 

It is a common outerwear for Muslim women in the Middle East as they are sewn from light and breathable fabrics, making them suitable to wear in the scorching heat there. 

Since they aren’t open from the front, you have to put them on from the top to the bottom like a T-shirt.

The main benefits of using Jilbabs include the coverage of the entire body, ease of carrying, and compatibility with the summertime.

What Are Abayas?

Like Jilbabs, Abayas are also a type of shield that Muslim women use to cover their awrah. Abayas are composed of a single fabric that wraps the Muslimah’s body from shoulders to ankles. Most of them are open from the front, so you can wear them around your body like a coat. 

As the fashion industry evolved, various styles of abayas were introduced to Muslim women. Some popular styles include front open abayas, embroidered abayas, and closed abayas. You can easily find them all at Malbus!

What Are The Key Differences Between Jilbabs And Abayas?

A lot of people get confused when they hear about Muslim womenswear terms like hijab, jilbabs, niqab, and abayas. While hijab and niqabs are somewhat similar, there is a need for comparison between jilbabs and abayas because they are almost identical. 

Here are some insights into how jilbabs and abayas  contrast from each other:

1. The word jilbab is mentioned in the Holy Quran while abaya is not. Surprising, isn’t it? You can find the word “Jalabeeb” in Surah Ahzab where Allah Almighty commands Muslimahs to cover their body parts.
2. Jilbabs provide more coverage than abayas. As we discussed earlier, Jilbabs can cover your entire body except your face, hands, and feet. On the flip side, abayas wrap your body starting from your shoulders to the ankles. 
3. Abayas are open from the front while jilbabs are not. You wear abayas like a cloak, putting your hands in the sleeve and then closing the front by snapping the given hook. This isn’t the case with jilbabs; as they are closed from the anterior, you have to put them on like your kameez shirts.
4. Abayas are more fashionable than jilbabs. You can find many different styles in abayas like embroidered abayas, plain, and jilbab abayas, but this variety of styles is limited in the jilbabs.
5. You’ll need to buy some extra accessories with abayas. Since abayas do not cover your neck and head, you’ll have to arrange accessories like scarves, hijab pins, and hijab caps. On the other hand, jilbabs are more of a complete package as they provide cover to your entire body including head and neck. 

Pick From The Best Abayas And Jilbabs In Pakistan

So these were some of the major differences in the style and understanding of abayas and jilbabs. We hope that now you have more clarity about which one will work out best for you.