Why do some Muslim women wear burkas?

The Koran calls for both men and women to 'cover and be modest'.

As with many other religious scriptures, the reference to dress is open to interpretation and has been shaped by centuries of cultures in different nations.

"The Koran does not explicitly say you have to cover yourself in this manner," Dr Ismail said.

"Some scholars argue that it is a religious obligation, particularly the more conservative factions within the Muslim world. There are many variations and interpretations."

Dr Ismail is a Muslim and has been wearing her hijab since she was a child.

"I'm so comfortable wearing it that I can't imagine myself without it. I wear it for cultural reasons, but there are many women who wear it for religious reasons."

Is it a burka, niqab, hijab, chador or dupatta?

The use of the term burka in Australia is often confused with what is actually the niqab.

The burka covers the entire body including the whole face, with a mesh window for the woman to see out of.

The niqab covers the whole body including the face with the exception of the woman's eyes.

"The niqab is more accurate; people rarely wear the burka in Australia," Dr Ismail said.

"In Australia people mostly wear the hijab in lots of different styles."

The hijab covers the hair and chest and is common among Muslim women in South East Asia.

Hijab is also a general term referring to the practice JERSEY HIJAB of wearing veils of all kinds.

The chador is a full-length cloak worn by many Iranian women, typically held closed at the front by the wearer's hands or under their arms.

The dupatta is a long scarf draped across the head and shoulders, and is often accompanied by matching garments.