Is Trimming the Beard Permissible? Understanding Islamic Teachings

The Importance of Letting the Beard Grow in Islam: A Guide to Following the Sunnah

In the Name of Allāh, the Entirely Gracious, the Exclusively Merciful 

Question:

The questioner asks: Is it permissible to trim the beard? 

Answer:

The beard should be allowed to grow, as the Prophet (ﷺ) commanded to let the beard grow. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:  

(قصوا الشوارب وأعفوا اللحى خالف المجوس) 

“Trim the moustaches and let the beards grow; oppose the Magi.” In another narration, he said: 

(خالفوا اليهود)

“Oppose the Jews.” 

The command to let the beard grow has been repeated, and letting it grow means not cutting or shaving it, including trimming the sides. The best guidance is the guidance of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). A Muslim should adhere to the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) and not fear those who might mock him or call him overly pious or extremist. 

A person should remain steadfast in following the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ), without fearing criticism from anyone. The best guidance is indeed that of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). If someone were to ask a person who shaves his beard: “Which is better: shaving the beard like the Jews or letting it grow like the Prophet (ﷺ) ?” he would answer that letting it grow is better! So, what stops you from following the action of the Prophet (ﷺ)?  

{لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِى رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌۭ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلْيَوْمَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرًۭا}

“Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad ﷺ) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much”

A Muslim should take pride in following the guidance of the Prophet (ﷺ) 

{وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُۥ مَخْرَجًۭا} 

 “And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty)” 

Do not fear anyone; you are growing it for the sake of Allah (جل وعلا) so do not fear anyone.  

{لَن يَضُرُّوكُمْ إِلَّآ أَذًۭى} 

“They will do you no harm, barring a trifling annoyance” 

“It is obligatory to let the beard grow, and what will come from it is nothing but good. In reality, Allah grants dignity and honor to the one who grows his beard, even if some people mock him. Ultimately, it is commendable to follow the guidance of the Prophet (ﷺ). 

فتاوى فضيلة الشيخ محمد بن حزام الفضلي البعداني حفظه الله وتولاه

#Fatwas_on_general_and_specific_issues 

#Fatwas_on_major_sins_and_prohibitions