Why do Muslim women wear 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.

Address of the bookmark: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-23/why-do-muslim-women-wear-a-burka-niqab-or-hijab/5761510