Cairo: Shaima'a, an assistant at a shop selling "Islamic costumes" in Cairo cannot hide her happiness about the growing controversy over the niqab (full-face veil) in this predominantly Muslim country.

"When the government banned the niqab at universities, we thought that this would badly affect our business. What happened is just the opposite," Shaima'a, who wears a veil, told Gulf News.

"Our sales have almost doubled. Generally speaking, people distrust whatever the government says. This is particularly true when it comes to religion."

The controversy over the niqab in Egypt erupted last October when Mohammad Tantawi, the Grand Shaikh of Al Azhar, the Sunni world's most influential institution, banned wearing the niqab in female-only classes and dormitories. The top Muslim cleric, appointed by the government, said the costume was not an Islamic duty.

A few days later, Minister of Higher Education Hani Hilal followed suit, citing security reasons. He explained that several men were caught putting on the niqab to enter university hostels incognito. This ban has drawn sharp condemnations from Islamists and human rights activists. It has also triggered a dozen lawsuits field by niqab wearers.

Twice this month, Egyptian courts revoked this ban, saying that wearing the niqab is part of personal freedom.

Niqab traders cite another reason for the increasing popularity of the head-to-toe veil.

Affordable

"It is inexpensive and affordable for the poor," said Mahmoud, the owner of a garment shop in eastern Cairo.

"The niqab sells for 25 Egyptian pounds (Dh16) to 50 pounds, depending on the material. Some benefactors sell the garb for lower prices."

Around 40 per cent of Egypt's 80 million population are believed to live below the poverty line.

The official criticism of the niqab as a non-Islamic costume has prompted more females to wear it.

"Before this criticism, I was hesitant about putting on the niqab," Fawzia, a government employee, said. "But when more than one official started to attack it, I decided to wear it. In view of the prevalent corruption, the people who do the right thing are the ones who are always targeted with criticism," Fawzia, 39, said.