The Koran calls for both men and women to ‘cover and be modest’.
As with many other religious scriptures, the reference to dress is open to interpretation and had been shaped by centuries of cultures in different nations.
“The Koran does not explicitly say you have to cover yourself in this manner,” Dr Ismail told 666 ABC Canberra.
“Some scholars argue that it is a religious obligation, particularly the more conservative factions within the Muslim world. There are many variations and interpretations.”
Dr Ismail is a Muslim and has been wearing her hijab since she was a child.
“I’m so comfortable wearing it that I can’t imagine myself without it. I wear it for cultural reasons, but there are many women who wear it for religious reasons.”
Is it a burka, niqab or hijab?
The use of the term burka in Australia is often confused with what is actually the niqab.
The burka covers the entire body including the whole face, with a mesh window for the woman to see out of.
The niqab covers the whole body including the face with the exception of the woman’s eyes.
“The niqab is more accurate; people rarely wear the burka in Australia,” Dr Ismail said.
“In Australia people mostly wear the hijab in lots of different styles.”
The hijab covers the hair and chest and is common among Muslim women in South East Asia.
Hijab is also a general term referring to the practice of wearing veils of all kinds, ABC informs.
