Bahraini Women's Jewelry: A Cultural Adornment

Women in Bahrain generally wear conservative clothing, with many choosing to follow Islamic dress standards. The traditional Bahraini women's dress includes a long, loose-fitting black abaya, often paired with a black headscarf known as a hijab or shayla. On special occasions, women may wear colourful and delicately embroidered Jalabiyas, which can be bright red with gold embroidery and gold jewellery. Little girls and young unmarried girls sometimes wear gold hair jewellery, such as a cap made of gold coins and chains. While the dress code in Bahrain is conservative, it is not as strict as some neighbouring countries in the Middle East. Women are expected to cover their shoulders and knees and avoid revealing or tight clothing in public. However, in private spaces, such as resorts or homes, the dress code is more relaxed.

Jewelry and Islam

Islam and jewelry have a complex relationship, with certain restrictions and guidelines that Muslims are expected to follow. While the Quran, the holy book of Islam, does not explicitly address the issue of jewelry, Islamic teachings emphasize modesty and discourage the use of excessive or ostentatious displays of wealth. Muslims are generally advised to avoid wearing unnecessary jewelry and to prioritize modesty and simplicity in their choices.

One of the key prohibitions in Islam regarding jewelry is the wearing of gold and silver. This restriction is based on a hadith, which are the recorded sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad. According to this hadith, Prophet Muhammad cursed women who wore gold jewelry and the men who helped them do so. As a result, Muslims typically refrain from wearing gold and silver jewelry, especially if it is made from pure gold or silver. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, Muslim women are permitted to wear gold jewelry on their wedding day, and both men and women are allowed to wear wedding rings and other types of rings, as long as they are made of iron. Additionally, some Muslims believe that gold-plated or sterling silver jewelry with gold content less than 50% is acceptable.

Another important consideration for Muslims when it comes to jewelry is the avoidance of imitating the opposite sex. Muslim men are discouraged from wearing jewelry typically associated with women, such as bracelets or earrings, as it is considered feminine or effeminate behavior. Similarly, women should avoid wearing jewelry typically associated with men. This guideline ensures that Muslims adhere to the principles of modesty and avoid crossing gender boundaries.

Islamic teachings also provide specific instructions for certain types of jewelry designs. It is considered impermissible to engrave or imprint images of living beings, such as animals or humans, on jewelry. This prohibition extends to zodiac signs, crosses, and other symbols associated with religions like Judaism and Christianity. Muslims are also advised against wearing jewelry with engravings of Quranic verses or the name of Allah, as it may expose these sacred texts to disrespect.

When it comes to dressing for special occasions or religious festivals, Muslims often opt for modest jewelry that does not draw excessive attention. For example, during Islamic wedding traditions, women typically wear simple gold rings and understated necklaces. Some Muslims also choose to wear Quranic verses or religious symbols as jewelry to express their faith and devotion. This type of jewelry, known as halal jewelry, is seen as a way to showcase their religious beliefs tastefully.

In summary, Islam provides guidelines for the wearing of jewelry, emphasizing modesty, simplicity, and the avoidance of excessive displays of wealth. Muslims are discouraged from wearing gold and silver jewelry, imitating the opposite sex, and displaying certain types of images or symbols on their jewelry. While there are exceptions and varying interpretations within the Muslim community, the overarching principle is to prioritize modesty and ensure that jewelry choices align with Islamic values.

Jewelry and modesty

Jewelry as a Form of Beautification and Adornment

According to Islamic tradition, it is permissible for women to wear jewelry as a form of beautification and adornment. However, there are a few guidelines to be mindful of. Firstly, one should wear what is customarily worn in their land among religious people. Additionally, the jewelry should not attract undue attention, and one should not make a purposeful display of their jewelry. It is also important to conceal one's jewelry as much as possible when in the presence of the opposite gender.

Jewelry and the Bahraini Dress Code

Bahrain is a conservative Muslim country with expectations regarding clothing and modesty. While it is one of the most tolerant countries in the Middle East when it comes to dress codes, there are still general guidelines that should be observed by both men and women. In public, individuals are expected to have their bodies covered from shoulders to knees, and clothing should not be tight or revealing.

For women, this means avoiding sleeveless tops, showing cleavage, or baring the midriff, especially in traditional areas like souks, villages, or central markets. At the beach or swimming pool, it is advisable to cover up, avoiding bikinis or revealing swimwear. In public spaces, it is best to be fully clothed. However, private beaches or pools, such as those at resorts or hotels, may have more relaxed dress codes.

Jewelry in Traditional Bahraini Clothing

Traditional Bahraini clothing for women includes the abaya, a long black robe worn over clothes, and a headscarf known as the shayla. On special occasions, women wear a colorful and delicately embroidered Jalabiya. Young, unmarried girls sometimes wear gold hair jewelry, such as a cap created from gold coins and chains. Thus, jewelry, especially gold pieces, can be a part of traditional Bahraini attire for women.

Tips for Female Travelers to Bahrain

While non-Muslim women visiting Bahrain are not required to adhere to the same dress code as locals, it is important to remain mindful of cultural expectations and dress conservatively. Here are some tips for female travelers:

• Cover shoulders and knees.
• Avoid revealing or tight-fitting clothing.
• Opt for loose-fitting, breathable fabrics like cotton, silk, or linen.
• Bring a shawl or pashmina for added coverage and modesty.
• Avoid spaghetti straps, strapless tops, and revealing necklines.
• Long, loose skirts, maxi dresses, and culottes are good options.
• For swimwear, consider a one-piece bathing suit or a burkini for public beaches and pools.

Jewelry and the abaya

Women in Bahrain often wear the abaya, a long, loose-fitting black over-garment that covers the whole body except the head, feet, and hands. The abaya is usually made from thin and delicate fabric and can be simple and plain or more fashionable, with embroidery, lace trimming, and decorative borders.

When wearing an abaya, women will often pair it with a Muslim headpiece such as a hijab, a nikab, or another variation of a veil. While some women cover their hair and neck, others also cover their faces fully or partially. These headdresses are not always black and can be colourful. Some women also wear black gloves with their abaya to cover their hands.

The abaya is commonly worn on special occasions, such as mosque visits, Islamic holiday celebrations, and during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. It is also worn in public spaces, with the exact dress standard depending on the setting. For example, in a private beach resort, the dress code differs from that of a shopping mall. In traditional and public areas such as souqs and shopping centres, the dress code is less strict than in places of worship.

In Bahrain, the jalabiya is a festive dress that is usually bright red with gold embroidery and gold jewellery. Young, unmarried girls sometimes wear gold hair jewellery, such as a cap created from gold coins and chains.

Jewelry and the jalabiya

The jalabiya is a festive Bahraini dress, usually bright red with lots of gold embroidery and gold jewelry. Bahraini women's folk dress typically consists of a long, loose-fitting black abaya over their usual clothing when out in public, along with a black hijab (head covering). On special occasions, they wear a much more colourful and delicately embroidered jalabiya.

Bahraini women traditionally wear Arabic-style clothing, similar to the styles worn in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan. Their everyday and festive clothes always correspond with religious rules and beliefs. While male Bahraini costumes are rather conservative and simple, female garments can be bright, richly bejewelled, and beautiful.

Little and young unmarried girls in Bahrain sometimes wear gold hair jewellery – a sort of cap created from gold coins and chains. Bahraini women are also known to wear black gloves with their outfits.

While non-Muslim women visiting Bahrain are not required to dress in the traditional manner, there are some basic guidelines to follow to remain conservatively dressed. These include covering the shoulders and knees, avoiding revealing or tight clothing, and not wearing spaghetti straps or boob tube-style tops.

Jewelry and the niqab

Women in Bahrain dress according to Islamic culture and religious rules and beliefs. Bahraini women wear a long, loose-fitting black abaya over their usual clothing when out in public, along with a black hijab (head covering). On special occasions, they wear colourful and delicately embroidered Jalabiyas. It is uncommon, but some women wear a niqab (full face covering except for the eyes).

Women in Bahrain also wear jewellery, especially on special occasions. Little and young unmarried girls sometimes wear gold hair jewellery—a sort of cap created from gold coins and chains. On festive occasions, women wear jalabiyas, which are usually bright red with a lot of gold embroidery and gold jewellery.

Niqab jewellery is also available for purchase. Etsy, for example, offers a range of niqab jewellery, including:

• Face veils
• Headbands
• Face chains
• Lip cuffs
• Collar capes
• Face masks
• Hijabs
• Pins
• Bracelets
• Necklaces
• Rings

Frequently asked questions