Social media posts claim that Morocco, a Muslim-majority country, has legally banned wearing burqas and niqabs. These posts have sparked confusion, especially in Bangladesh, where cultural and religious sensitivities around Islamic attire are significant. But is wearing a burqa or niqab actually banned in Morocco? Which countries have imposed such bans, and are they partial or complete? As a team that’s navigated online misinformation before, we investigated to clarify these claims. Let’s dive in with a skeptical eye to uncover the truth.
Understanding Burqa, Niqab, and Hijab
To clarify the claims, we first define the garments in question:
Burqa: A full-body covering that envelops the entire body from head to toe, with a mesh screen over the eyes to allow vision.
Niqab: A face-covering garment that conceals the face, leaving only the eyes exposed.
Hijab: A headscarf that covers the hair, ears, neck, and sometimes the chest, leaving the face visible.
Is Wearing a Burqa Banned in Morocco?
Contrary to social media claims, Morocco has not banned wearing burqas or niqabs. According to reports from The New York Times, Al Jazeera, and BBC dated January 10, 2017, Morocco imposed a ban on the production, import, and sale of burqas, citing security concerns. Authorities argued that burqas could conceal identities, posing risks in public spaces. However, no law prohibits individuals from wearing burqas or niqabs in public or making them for personal use.
Some critics, per The Conversation, suggest the ban reflects Morocco’s moderate government curbing the spread of Salafist Islam, viewing the burqa as a foreign cultural import from Gulf Arab regions rather than part of Morocco’s Sufi-influenced traditions. The Times of India notes that most Moroccan women prefer hijabs or headscarves. A 2021 U.S. Department of State report confirms that the 2017 ban on burqa sales does not restrict personal use or wearing, dispelling claims of a full ban.
“Morocco didn’t ban the burqa outright—it’s more about keeping the market in check, not your wardrobe.”
Where Are Burqas and Niqabs Banned Globally?
We consulted sources like Wikipedia, Deutsche Welle, and India Today to identify countries with burqa or niqab bans, which vary in scope:
Countries with Full Bans on Burqas/Niqabs in Public
France: In 2010, France became the first European country to ban face-covering garments in public, including burqas and niqabs, with fines for violations. The law avoids naming specific garments, banning “clothing that conceals the face in public spaces” to sidestep religious discrimination claims. Since 2004, headscarves and religious symbols have also been banned in schools.
Belgium: In 2011, Belgium banned face-covering attire in public, with penalties including fines or jail. In 2017, the European Court of Human Rights upheld the ban, rejecting claims it violated rights.
Bulgaria: In 2016, Bulgaria banned face-covering garments in public spaces like government offices, schools, and cultural institutions, but exemptions apply for sports fields and religious sites. Amnesty International criticized the ban as infringing on freedom of expression and religion.
Denmark: In 2018, Denmark passed a law (75-30 vote) banning face-covering garments in public, effective August 2018, covering niqabs, ski masks, and fake beards but exempting scarves and festival masks. Critics cite rising Islamophobia in Europe.
Switzerland: In 2021, a referendum (51% in favor) banned burqas and niqabs in public, effective 2025, with fines up to $1,150. Exemptions include health-related masks (e.g., COVID-19) and religious sites.
Others: Austria, Netherlands, Italy, Chad, Congo, Gabon, and Sri Lanka have also imposed full bans in public spaces.
Countries with Partial or Regional Bans
Germany: No nationwide ban exists, but Bavaria banned face-covering garments in public spaces like schools and government offices in 2017. A 2017 federal law bans face coverings while driving, and civil servants, judges, and soldiers are prohibited from wearing burqas or niqabs to maintain neutrality, per Bundestag.
China: In 2017, Xinjiang province banned burqas and “abnormal” beards in public spaces like airports and stations, part of broader policies targeting the Uyghur population, criticized as discriminatory by Human Rights Watch.
Spain: Barcelona has banned burqas in public buildings and markets.
Countries with No Bans
The United States, Canada, and most Arab countries have no bans on burqas or niqabs. Turkey, Syria, and Tunisia lifted earlier bans after court rulings.
Why the Confusion in Bangladesh?
In Bangladesh, misinformation thrives on partial truths—Morocco’s ban on burqa sales is misconstrued as a ban on wearing them. In Bangladesh, where religious identity shapes public discourse, such claims can inflame tensions, as seen in past social media-driven unrest.
The World Association of News Publishers warned in 2023 that misinformation distorts cultural debates, and this case—exaggerating Morocco’s policy—fits the pattern. Similar myths, like bans in non-existent “Muslim countries,” have been debunked byfact checkers.
“Social media loves a good shock, but half-truths about burqas are more about clicks than clarity.”
Conclusion: Morocco Bans Sales, Not Wearing
The claim that Morocco has banned wearing burqas or niqabs is false and misleading. Morocco’s 2017 ban targets the production, import, and sale of burqas for security and cultural reasons, not their use. Globally, countries like France and Belgium have full bans on face-covering garments in public, while others like Germany and China impose partial or regional restrictions.
