Taqiyah (cap)

Taqiyah (cap)

The taqiyah (also spelt "tagiyah"; Arabic: طاقية‎ / ALA-LC: ṭāqīyah) is a short, rounded cap. Some people do wear them for religious purposes but over the years Topi evolved into various variants and now many people including some women wear Topi for traditional purpose only especially in Pakistan. In Punjab topi is common with Pagri without any religious significance. When worn by itself, the taqiyah can be any color. When worn under the keffiyah scarf, it is always white. Some Muslims wrap the turban around the cap. The turban is called an imama in Arabic. In the United States and Britain, many Muslim merchants sell the prayer cap under the name kufi.

Muslims wear the taqiyah to emulate Muhammad. The companions of Muhammad were never seen without their heads being covered. In order to emulate their actions, some Muslims throughout the world wear a variety of taqiyat, fez hats, and other headgear.

The taqiyah is also called a 'prayer cap' in English. Some Muslims wear the taqiyah during Jumu'ah (Friday) prayers at the mosque, and during daily salat (prayers) at home. For men, it is mustahabb, which means 'commendable' or 'seeking the love of God', to cover the head during prayer. Some Muslims use a prayer mat during praying. Muslim men might wear a taqiyah during weddings (see Nikah).