Iraq. Najaf. Iraqi women, all widows who lost their husbands in the wars, wait on line at the entrance of the Rafidain bank to get their monthly pensions. The women wear the abaya and the hijab (islamic headscarf) on their heads to cover their hair. The abaya, sometimes also called aba, is a simple, loose over-garment, essentially a robe-like dress, worn by some women in parts of the Islamic world. Traditional abaya are black and may be either a large square of fabric draped from the shoulders or head or a long caftan. The abaya covers the whole body except the face, feet, and hands. The word hijab (or hidjab) refers to both the veil covering the head and traditionally worn by muslim women (Islamic headscarf), but also the modest muslim styles of dress in general. 26.02.04 © 2004 Didier Ruef .