evidence: Many people may not think too deeply about the academic apparel required for their graduation ceremony. But the familiar graduation outfit worn throughout the world today originated from the Arabic clothing - thawb. [...] When students from Europe learned & graduated from these universities and returned to their lands, they used to dress in Muslim robes (Thawb or Qamees) and that would become an indication that this particular student graduated from the university of the Muslims. [...] The graduation gown worn today is known as the subfusc and the flat hat with the tassels is called the mortar board.