Clothing Requirements?

[Phteven]

There are a few different opinions on the matter (Muslims can't even agree on what date our major festivals fall on lol) but the majority opinion is that a woman's hijab is from the wrist to the ankle and includes her hair. Some scholars argue that a woman should also cover her feet, there are a few scholars who also argue that a niquab (the face covering) is obligatory but AFAIK this is a more modern position.
There are others who argue that since the verse in the Quran that deals with hijab mentions that it is in part to reduce harrassment whilst in the west it increases harrassment that in the western context the scarf is not obligitary. There are others who claim that the scarf is not obligatory and is only made so by patriachal interpratations of the sources of Islamic law.
I should mention that hijab is meant to be an attitude as well as a dress code - it has both an internal and external dimension. There are many women who wear hijab but don't follow many of the teachings of Islam. The slightly derogatory name for them is undercovers.
I should also mention that hijab applies to men as well as women. They are also meant to dress in a modest fashion - if you look at the tradition clothes of many Muslim communities you will notice that the men are also covered. In addition a Muslim man is meant to lower his gaze which means that even if a woman doesn't cover he's not meant to take a second look.

Of course it gets hot - everyone gets hot in 30 degrees but from my pre-hijab days there isn't a great differance. I guess it depends on how adept you are at dressing for the heat. I find that a loose skirt in a pale colour and a loose top in a light fabric is not really hotter than shorts and a t-shirt. I imagine that for those who choose to wear heavy dark clothes it's a lot hotter.

ETA - We don't cover in front of our family members.


ETA - tonydayl, domestic violence is no more acceptable in Islam than in any other religion. All muslims are meant to emulate the behaviour of the prophet (pbuh) and he was never violent towards women or children. I don't find abusive behaviour interesting regardless of who is perpetuating it.