With regard to the article “Dammam University bans colored abayas on campus” (Nov. 25), nowhere is it said that abayas must be black. However, most women choose that color. When in an educational institution there is freedom to wear any color, it can lead to students competing in designs and fashions which would defeat the purpose of wearing the abaya. My daughter is in the US and she wears plain colored abayas to work. Her daughter does the same. What really matters is for a woman to follow the dress code.

Abu Sabri, Online response

The purpose of the hijab or abaya is to divert attention from beauty, not to bring attention to it. An abaya should be simple, modest and should not be attractive.

Abdul Ghaffar, Online response