Al-Qubaysiat is an Islamic group that was founded by Munira al-Qubaysi in Syria and has spread into many other countries.
The group is for women only and is not involved in politics. It organizes religious lessons in homes and has been instrumental in spreading religious sentiment among young women. It was banned in Syria until 2006, when the Syrian government gave its approval for this long-established movement to teach religion in mosques.
Members of the group are often identified by their distinctive style of dress, a hijab tied with a large knot under the chin, buttoned overcoats coming down the mid-shin level, and thick brown panty-hose.