Why do women in Saudi Arabia wear the Abaya?

Jane wearing an Abaya and her Westie MacLeod with the city of Riyadh in the background.

Hijab and Saudi Arabia

The Quran states a believing Muslim woman should wear "hijab". Interpretation of this single word is the reason behind the vast difference between what Muslim women wear in different countries. It has been interpreted as simply dressing modestly to wearing an outfit that covers the entire body and face. In Saudi Arabia Muslim women are required to cover themselves completely by wearing an Abaya and a Boshiya (veil) and it is suggested other women wear the Abaya without a Boshiya.

Description of the Abaya

The Saudi Arabian Abaya is a large, black cloak, worn either loose and flowing or wrapped around the body. The Boshiya is a black veil that is worn over the face. All Abayas in Saudi Arabia are black but they are all different. You can find them in lightweight cotton or the finest silk and are all decorated in some way. You can buy them with embroidery, beading, sequins, ribbons, lace and ranging in price from under 20 USD to several hundreds of US dollars.

Don't you get hot wearing that Thing?

For those of you who wonder...A woman must be fully clothed under the Abaya and yes, they can get a little warm to wear during the hot summer months.

The Saudi Arabian Abaya

Why do women in Saudi Arabia wear an Abaya?

Hijab and Saudi Arabia

Description of the Abaya

Don't you get hot wearing that Thing?