h-i-j-a-b
HIJAB is a head covering worn by many Muslim women as part of modest dress. The word comes from Arabic, meaning "partition" or "barrier," and represents both a physical garment and a broader concept of modesty in Islam. While commonly referring to a headscarf that covers the hair, ears, and neck while leaving the face visible, hijab encompasses various styles and personal interpretations. In word games, HIJAB scores well due to the J (8 points), making it worth 17 base points in Scrabble.
17
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
The HIJAB is a veil or head covering traditionally worn by Muslim women in the presence of men outside their immediate family. It typically covers the hair, ears, and neck while leaving the face clear. Beyond its physical form as a garment, hijab represents a complex set of practices related to modesty, privacy, and morality in Islamic culture.
The practice of wearing hijab varies significantly across cultures, countries, and individual interpretations. For many women, it serves as a visible expression of faith, cultural identity, and personal conviction. The decision to wear hijab can be influenced by religious beliefs, family traditions, social environments, or personal choice. In some contexts, it is worn from puberty, while in others, women may choose to adopt it later in life or wear it situationally.
It's important to note that hijab is distinct from other forms of Islamic veiling such as the niqab (which covers the face except the eyes), the burqa (which covers the entire body including the face), or the chador (a full-body cloak). The hijab is the most common form of Islamic head covering globally and has become a symbol of Muslim women's identity in many parts of the world.
The word hijab (حجاب) comes from the Arabic root ḥ-j-b, which means "to veil," "to cover," "to screen," or "to shelter." The root conveys the sense of creating a barrier or partition. In classical Arabic, hijab referred to any barrier or curtain, not specifically a head covering.
In the Quran, the term hijab appears several times with various meanings, including a physical curtain, a metaphysical barrier, and guidelines for modesty. The specific association with women's head covering developed through Islamic jurisprudence and cultural practices over centuries. The verse most commonly cited regarding women's dress (24:31) actually uses the word "khimar" (covering) rather than hijab.
The modern usage of hijab to specifically denote a headscarf became prevalent in the 20th century, particularly during Islamic revival movements. The term entered English usage more broadly in the late 20th century as Muslim populations in Western countries grew and discussions about Islamic dress became more prominent in global discourse.
Many Muslims view hijab as a religious obligation based on Quranic verses and hadith (prophetic traditions). However, interpretations vary widely among scholars and individuals. Some emphasize it as a commandment, while others see it as a recommendation or focus on broader principles of modesty that apply to both men and women.
For many women, hijab serves as a powerful symbol of religious identity, cultural pride, and personal agency. It can represent a conscious choice to visibly identify as Muslim and to define beauty and worth beyond physical appearance. Many hijabi women report feeling empowered by their choice to wear it.
Hijab has become a focal point in debates about religious freedom, women's rights, secularism, and integration. Some countries mandate it, others restrict it in certain contexts, while many protect it as a matter of personal choice and religious expression. These varying approaches reflect different cultural values and political systems.
Modern hijab culture has evolved significantly, particularly among younger generations. Social media has created global communities of hijabi women sharing styles, tips, and experiences. This has led to:
The experience of wearing hijab varies greatly worldwide. In some Muslim-majority countries, it's a cultural norm, while in others it's less common. In Western countries, hijabi women often navigate between maintaining their religious identity and integrating into diverse societies.
Hijabs come in various materials suited for different occasions and climates: cotton for everyday wear, silk for formal events, jersey for comfort, chiffon for elegance, and athletic materials for sports. Colors and patterns range from solid, neutral tones to vibrant prints and embellished designs.
•The J in HIJAB makes it valuable in Scrabble - J is worth 8 points and is one of the less common letters
•World Hijab Day is celebrated on February 1st to raise awareness and normalize hijab wearing
•Nike Pro Hijab, launched in 2017, was designed with input from Muslim athletes and became a bestseller
•The global modest fashion industry, including hijab fashion, is estimated to be worth over $300 billion
"She started wearing hijab during her first year of university as a personal spiritual decision."
— Personal choice context
"The company updated its dress code to be more hijab-friendly, allowing religious head coverings."
— Workplace context
"Playing HIJAB with the J on a triple letter score earned me 51 points!"
— Word game context
"The fashion show featured diverse hijab styles from different cultures around the world."
— Fashion context
Similar length and difficulty words
Total base points: 17 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 2 (I, A) | Consonants: 3 (H, J, B)
Letter rarity: J is worth 8 points and appears in only 0.15% of English words
Pattern: CVCVC (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant-Vowel-Consonant)
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like HIJAB