Arti Kerudung, Makna dan Bedanya dengan Hijab serta Jilbab

The Meaning of Kerudung, Its Significance, and the Differences from Hijab and Jilbab

June 29, 2026

Daftar Isi

The meaning of "kerudung" according to the Great Dictionary of the Indonesian Language (KBBI) is a piece of cloth for covering a woman's head, and this word was used long before the term "hijab" became common in Indonesia. Many people simply equate it with "hijab" or "jilbab." In fact, the three have different root words and scopes.

This page was intentionally created as an entry point. From here, you can first explore the basic meanings, then jump to deeper discussions about types and materials in the derivative articles. The goal is simple: so these frequently confused terms stop causing confusion when you read product labels or choose styles in a store.

The Meaning of Kerudung According to KBBI and Its Word Origin

Arti Kerudung Menurut KBBI dan Asal Katanya

Linguistically, kerudung means a piece of cloth for covering a woman's head that covers the top of the head and hair. Its official definition turns out to be multifaceted, and its derivative word forms also help explain why this term feels narrower than "hijab."

Main meaning according to KBBI. A piece of cloth for covering a woman's head, which in the dictionary entry is also juxtaposed with the word "cadar" (veil).
Second meaning. A hood or cover for an object, such as a lamp shade, so this word is not always about clothing.
Derivative forms. "Berkerudung" means wearing a kerudung, while "mengerudungi" means covering something with a piece of cloth.
Scope of the term. Familiar in Malay environments such as Indonesia and Malaysia, and it peaked in popularity in the 1980s before the word "jilbab" became more frequently used.

In daily conversation, "kerudung" refers to a piece of cloth that covers the head down to about the neck, sometimes just wrapped, sometimes pinned with needles. Because of this, the meaning of kerudung in practice is often narrower than "hijab," which is now used for all forms of head covering.

The Meaning of Kerudung in Culture and Religion

Kerudung is not always related to religion, and its meaning shifts according to who wears it. This head covering exists across cultures with diverse motifs.

Varied reasons for wearing. It could be for warmth, hygiene, fashion, modesty, or personal faith.
Orthodox Jewish tradition. Married women cover their hair with a cloth known as a tichel or snood.
Catholic tradition. A mantilla was once commonly worn during mass, although this practice has significantly declined.
Islamic context in Indonesia. A head covering is associated with the command to cover the "aurat," which is often referenced in Surah Al-Ahzab verse 59. This is the context most closely associated with "kerudung" here.

Interestingly, the word "hijab," which has recently become an umbrella term for all types of head coverings, has only become truly popular in the last few years. At least in everyday language usage in Indonesia.

The Difference Between Kerudung, Hijab, Jilbab, and Khimar

The essential difference lies in two things: how much the cloth covers, and the origin of the word. A "kerudung" stops around the neck, while "jilbab" and "khimar" extend further down to the chest or almost the entire body. "Hijab" is used as an umbrella term.

Term	What it covers	Origin
Kerudung	Head and hair, generally up to the neck	Malay tradition
Hijab	Depends on usage, often a general term	Arabic, from "hajaban" meaning barrier
Jilbab	Almost the entire body except face, hands, and feet	Arabic
Khimar	Head and extends to the chest or further	Arabic, from "khumur"

The division above is not a rigid rule followed by everyone. In shops and daily conversations, the boundaries between terms are often blurred, and that is normal. Interestingly, many sellers label nearly identical items with different terms to suit customer tastes. A square headscarf ("kerudung segi empat") can be labeled as a "hijab" in one shop and a "kerudung" in the next. What is certain is that all four refer to a piece of cloth that covers a woman's head with varying degrees of coverage.

Common Types of Kerudung

Once the meaning is clear, kerudung in the market are most easily sorted by their shape and way of wearing, not by technical rules. These three models are the most commonly encountered.

Type	Shape and way to wear	Suitable for
Square	A square sheet of cloth, folded into a triangle then pinned	For those who like to experiment with many folding styles
Pashmina	A long, shawl-like fabric that is simply wrapped; it has the richest variety of styles, and the material quality ranges from standard to premium	For those seeking a neat look and high-quality material
Instant	Already shaped, simply slip it on without needing to wrap	For beginners or anyone often in a rush

For pashmina specifically, there is a wide range of fabrics, and that is what determines how the fabric drapes. For those who want to delve into how to choose the best version, there is a separate guide on premium pashmina hijabs.

Kerudung, an Old Word That Never Really Disappeared

There is an interesting little detail: word choice often reveals the background and generation of the wearer. Mothers and grandmothers are more comfortable calling it 'kerudung', while younger people say 'hijab' for more or less the same item. Understanding the meaning of kerudung down to its roots makes the shift feel logical rather than confusing. And once it's time to choose one to wear for hours, the considerations shift to more practical matters: fiber density, drape, and comfort on the head.

FAQ

Are kerudung and hijab the same?

In general, they are often considered the same, but their scope differs. A kerudung covers the head down to around the neck, while 'hijab' is now used as an umbrella term for various head coverings.

Where does the word 'kerudung' come from?

Rooted in Malay tradition, this term is familiar in both Indonesia and Malaysia. Its origin is different from hijab, jilbab, and khimar, all of which come from Arabic.

Is a kerudung mandatory in Islam?

This matter falls under Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), and the answer should be referred to individual religious sources. It is generally agreed that Islamic teachings command covering the aurat, and the kerudung is one way to fulfill that.

What is the difference between a kerudung and a cadar?

The KBBI (Indonesian dictionary) does list cadar as one meaning of kerudung. However, in everyday use, a cadar specifically refers to a fabric that also covers the face, whereas a kerudung usually only covers the head and hair.

What type of kerudung is suitable for beginners?

Instant models are often the first choice because they are ready to wear. Once used to it, many switch to square scarves or pashmina for more style variety.

Since when has the kerudung been popular in Indonesia?

Its use became widespread in the 1980s. After that, the term 'jilbab' became more dominant, and recently the word 'hijab' has also risen in popularity.