To grow a beard at least one fist long is (Wajib) incumbent not fard. To shave it or reduce it to less than the required length is Haram (Unlawful). As Hazrat Haisam (Radi Allahu anhu) narrates that,
"Hazrat Abdullah Ibne Umar (Radi Allahu anhuma) used to hold the beard in his fist and cut the amount of the hair out side the fist. "
Imam Muhammad (Rahmatullah alaih) says we act upon this very hadith and Imam-e- Azam abu hanifa (radi aAllahu anhu) said the same. (Kitabul Asar)
There are people who say that keeping the beard one fist long is not necessary but they are wrong. As has been said in Durre-Mukhtar,
"The act of reducing the beard to less than a fist, like some western Christians and eunuchs do, has not been said permissible by anyone. And cutting all of it is an act of the Jews, Hindus, non Arabs (of that time) and fire-worshipper." (Durre-Mukhtar, Vol. 2, page 461)
It is not necessary for you to keep a beard just because you have made the intention to do so, it becomes wajib from the time it starts growing. As the Prophet (Allah's Grace & Peace be upon Him) says,
"Cut the moustaches and let the beard grow. Oppose the fire-worshippers." (Saheeh Bukhari.)
Importance of the Beard in the words of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam
(1) Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said "I have no connection iwth one who shaves, shouts and tears his clothing eg. in grief or affication."
- Reported by Abu Darda (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 501
(2) The teachings of Hadhrat Ammar Bin Yaasir, Abdullah Ibn Umar, Sayyidina Umar, Abu Hurairah and Jaabir (R.A.), indicate that ALL used to keep beards that were one fist length or more. Hadhrat Jaabir (R.A.) had said: "We used to grow long beards and only during Hajj and Umrah did we trim them to the required length (i.e. fist length)."
(3) Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (R.A.) relates that: "He who imitates the kuffar (non-believers) and dies in that state, he will be raised up with them on the Day of Qiyamat (Judgement)."
(4) Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) says: "Trim closely the moustache, and let the beard flow (Grow)."
- Narrated Ibn Umar (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 498
(5) "Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) ordered us to trim the moustache closely and spare the beard" says Ibn Umar.
- Muslim, Hadith no. 449
(6) Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam)said: "Act against contrary to the polythesists, trim closely the moustache and grow the beard."
- Reported by Ibn Umar (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 500
(7) Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said "Trim closely the moustache and grow the beard."
- Reported by Abu Hurairah (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 501
(8) Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "Anyone who shaves has no claim to the mercy of Allah"
- Reported by Ibn Abbas (R.A.) in Tibrabi
(9) Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (R.A.) used to cut that portion (which exceeds the grip of the hand) of the beard.
- Tirmidhi
The Beard according to the Great Imams of Jurisprudence
Hanafi
Imam Muhammed (R.A.) writes in his book "Kitabul Aathaar" where he relates from Imam Abu Hanifa (R.A.) who relates from Hadhrat Haytham (R.A.) who relates from Ibn Umar (R.A.) that he (Ibn Umar) used to hold his beard in his hand and cut off which was longer. Imam Muhammed (R.A.) says that this is what we follow and this was the decision of Imam Abu Hanifa. Therefore, according to Hanafies, to shorten the beard less than a FIST LENGTH is HARAAM and on this is IJMA (concensus of opinion).
Shafi'i
Imam Shafi (R.A.) in his Kitabul Umm states, "To shave the beard is HARAAM." (Shari Minhaj dar Shara Fasl Aqueeqa).
Maaliki
Shekh Ahmad Nafarawi Maliki in the commentary of Imam Abu Zayed's booklet states, "to shave the beard is without doubt haraam according to all Imams." It is also mention in "Tamheed" which is a commentary of "Muatta" (Sunnan Imam Malik (R.A.)) that to shave the beard is HARAAM and among males the only ones to resort to this practice (of shaving) are the HERMAPHRODITES (persons who possess both male and female features and characteristics).
Hanbali
The Hanbalies in the famous Al-Khanie'a Hanbali Fatawa Kitab state that "to grow the beard is essential and to shave it is HARAAM." Also in the Hanbali Mathab books "Sharahul Muntahaa" and "Sharr Manzoomatul Aadaab", it is stated "The most accepted view is that it is HARAAM (prohibited to shave the beard)."
Also note, according to scholars of Islam: "To shave off the beard is unlawful (haraam) and one who shaves his beard is legally speaking an unrighteous fellow (FASIQ); hence, it is NOT PERMISSIBLE to appoint such a man as an Imam. To say Taraweeh behind such an Imam is MAKRUH-E-TAHRIMI (near prohibition)" (Shami Vol.1, p.523)
The Durre-Mukhtar states: "No one has called it permissible to trim it (the beard) less than FIST-LENGTH as is being done by some westernized Muslims and hermaphrodites." (Vol. 2, p. 155). Also, "It is forbidden (haraam) for a man to cut off another's beard." (Vol. 5, p. 359).
Conclusion
Thus, a Muslim who shaves or shortens his beard is like a hermaphrodite, his Imamate near prohibition, his evidence is not valid, he will not have the right to vote or being voted for. Shaving and shortening the beard is the action of non-believers. Imam Ghazzali (RA) says: "Know that the key to total bliss (Saadah) lies in following the Sunnah and in emulating the life of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) in ALL that issues from him, and in ALL his doings even if it concerns the manner of his eating, rising, sleeping, and speaking. I do say thisin relation to rituals in worship ONLY because ther is no way neglecting the Sunnah reported of him in such matters - but what I say INCLUDES EVERY ASPECT of his daily life." (Kitab al Arbain Addin, Cairo 1344, p. 89). Furthermore, in the Holy Qur'an, Allah told Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) to say:
"Say: "If ye do love Allah, Follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran 3:31)
The daily recitation of a band of angels of Allah is "Holy is the Being who adorned men with beards and women with braids" (Takmela e Bahr al Raiq, Vol. 3, p. 331)
Lastly, Allah Ta'ala says in the Holy Qur'an: "And when the true believers are called to Allah and His Rasul (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) [to accept and practice the law and commands of Allah and His Rasul (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam)] that he may pass judgement upon them, their ONLY reply is 'We hear and obey.' Such men shall surely prosper." (24:51)
HADITH NO. 1
Aa'isha RA. relates that Rasulullah said: 'Ten things are of nature, in which cutting the moustache and growing a fall beard are mentioned'. Abu Dawood.
It is mentioned in 'Barlul Maj'hood' that the 'fitrat' means the way of all the Nabis. These ten things, amongst which are the cutting of themoustache and the growing of a full beards were the practice of all the Ambiya A.S. We have been commanded to follow these. Allah says in the Qur'aan: '
Those are they whom Allah had guided; so follow thou their guidance'. Suratul An'aam: 90.
This is an Aayat in the seventh juz, wherein, after mentioning the names of various Nabis (Peace be upon them), Rasulullah is commanded thus: 'that these personalities were such that Allah had guided them, so you too (O Muhammad ) follow their way'. Bayanul Qur'aan.
It is stated in 'Bazlul Maj'hood' that this is the way most ulama have translated the word 'fitrat'. Some have however translated it as the Sunnat (way) of Sayyidina Ibrahim A.S. Some have explained that it means 'that which is acceptable to normal, well bred people'; implying that those who are not abnormally wicked will accept all these things of the 'iitrat'. In essence 'ftrat' means the 'seen' (religion). Allah says in the Qur'an:
'And follow thou the constitution of Allah according to which He hath constituted mankind'. Suratur Roum: 30.
This Deen is that which Allah has chosen for the first human created. And these ten things are of that Deen. Reference has been made in 'Bazlul Maj'hood' to another Aayat of the Qur'aan in the twenty first Juz;
'And follow thou the constitution of Allah according to which He hath constituted mankind. No altering let there be in Allah's creation. That is the right religion, but most men know not'. Suratur Roum: 30.
When the cursed Shaytaan was humiliated in Allah's court he vowed;
‘And surely I will lead them astray, and I will fill them with vain desires, and I will command them so that they will slit the ears of the cattle, and I will command them so that they will alter the creation of Allah. And whosoever taketh Satan for a patron instead of Allah, shall surely suffer a manifest loss'. Suratun Nisaa: 119.
Maulana Thanwi (may Allah enlighten his resting place) has written that in the Aayat "And I will command them so that they will alter the creation of Allah" includes the shaving of the beard. There are numerous other Ahadith that command the cutting of the moustache and the growing of full beards.
HADITH NO. 2
In the book 'Hukumul lih'ya fil Islam' quoting from Ibn Hibbaan the following Hadith is reported by Abu Hurairah As ; 'Rasulullah has said: 'Amongst the fitrat (Deen) of Islam is the cutting of the moustache and the lengthening of the beard for surely the Majoos (fire worshippers) lengthen their moustaches and cut their beards so oppose them by cutting your moustaches and lengthening your beards'.
In this Hadith Rasulullah has declared the keeping of the beard a fundamental requirement of Islam and has described the shaving of the beard as a symbol of the Majoos (fire worshippers). In a well-known Hadith it is related that 'Whomsoever imitates a people, will be regarded as of them'. That is why Rasulullah has commanded us to oppose the Majoos. It is obvious that the growing of the beard is an Islamic injunction and all the Ambiya A.S without exception are agreed on this, as has been already mentioned in Hadith number one. Therefore those who hold this false notion that it was a custom amongst the Arabs to grow beards therefore Rasulullah has commanded it are totally wrong in their assertions and their argument is baseless.
May Allah through His grace and kindness guide us all to act according to the teachings of Rasulullah and also give us the strength to refrain from committing wrong actions and protect us from the various warnings that have been sounded time and again.
Ibn Umar has also related from Rasulullah that the Mushrikeen (those who set partners with Allah) should be opposed by lengthening the beards and cutting the moustache closely. There are numerous other Ahasdith to the same effect.
Abu Hurairah reports that Rasulullah said: 'Lengthen your beards and cut your moustaches, and in this matter do not imitate the Jews and Christians'. It is indeed unfortunate that today, by apeing the Christians, we are neglecting and destroying this blessed and very important Sunnat of Rasulullah I recall that during my childhood even the elders among the Hindus were accustomed to having beards.
In a Hadith quoted in 'Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah' it is reported that a Majoos who had shaved his beard and had a long moustache came to Rasulullah . On seeing this Rasulullah said: 'What is this you have done ? ' He said: 'This is our religion'. Rasulullah said: 'In our religion we are commanded to cut the moustache and lengthen the beard'. Hukmul Lih'ya fil Islam.
Ibn Asaakirr and others have reported that Hasan relates that Rasulullah said: 'There were ten such habits amongst the people of Loot A.S. which were the cause of their destruction. Amongst these habits is listed the shaving of the beard and the lengthening of the moustache'. Haarith bin Abi Usaama, relates from Yahya bin Abi Katheer that an Ajami (a non-believer who was not an Arab) who had shaved his beard and lengthened his moustache came into the Masjid. Rasulullah said to him: 'What has prompted you to do this ? ' He replied: 'My Lord (the king) has ordered me to do this'. Rasulullah said: 'Allah has commanded me to lengthen the beard and to cut the moustache'.
In another Hadith Said ibn Habib relates that Rasulullah could not bear looking at two emissaries that came from the court of King Kisra, because they had shaven their beards. He told them; 'Be destroyed ! Who has told you to make your appearance like this ? ' They replied: 'Our Lord, Emperor Kisra ordered us'. Rasulullah said: 'But I have been commanded by my Lord, Allah to lengthen the beard and cut the moustache'. Hukmul Lih'ya fill Islam.
This incident is described in detail further on. After death in the grave we will first be shown the countenance of Rasulullah . Those will be moments of regret and utter hopelessness. Allah forbid, if at such a time of need, and with hope that Rasulullah will intercede on one's behalf, he sees a face and a appearance that is not according to his Sunnat, and he turns his face away ! How unfortunate will this be?
HADITH NO. 3
Zaid ibn Arqam relates that Rasulullah said: 'whoever does not cut his moustache is not of us'. Ahmad, Tirmizi, Nasa'i.
How severe is this warning. Those with long moustaches regard teen. selves as members of the elite and register themselves as Muslims in official records, but Rasulullah refuses to accept them as members of his group. Waathila RA. relates that Rasulullah said: 'Whosoever does not cut his moustache is not of us'.
The growing of long moustaches is naturally abhorrent. Tea, water or any liquid will have to pass through overgrown moustaches. If the dirty water after washing the moustache is suggested for consumption it will unanimously be rejected. But if every gulp of liquid washes over the overgrown moustache it is consumed without dislike.
Imaam Ahmad ibn Hambal (may Allah's mercy be upon him) in his 'Kitaabuz Zuhd' relates from Aqeel ibn Mudrik that Allah revealed to one Nabi from amongst the Ambiya of Bani Israel; that he should tell his people not to eat the food (which is exclusively theirs - like swine is to the Christians) of my enemies, and that they must not drink the water (wine) of my enemies; and they must not make their appearances like that of my enemies; If they do this they too will be my enemies, like those who are my enemies. Dalaa'ilul Aathaar.
In several Ahaadith already quoted we see that to shave the beard is the way (common ritual) of the Mushrikeen. And in just as many Ahaadith we have been taught be different and oppose their ways and ritual practices. A very important. matter to which attention must be drawn here is that many regard shaving the beard as wrong and therefore they do not shave. They do not however regard shortening the beard as equally incorrect and indulge in this wrong act. Just as the Shari'ah commands the growing of the beard, so to does it prescribe the length to which it has to be grown. Therefore to grow a beard other than that which is specified is also incorrect. The Shari'ah has commanded that the length of the beard should be one fist full, when held from below the chin. According to the consensus of the Ulama it is not permissible to have a beard shorter than this. They do differ on whether a beard which is longer than required, should be shortened to this fixed length or not.
Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani (may Allah enlighten his resting place) in his book 'The Philosophy of the Beard', in reply to questions put to him, writes that Rasulullah used to cut his beard both in width and in length, therefore it is important that the detail of this should be known.
Because the Sahaba RA. witnessed the speech and deeds of Rasulullah , Imaam Bukhari (may Allah's mercy be upon him) has relied on the deeds of the Sahaba RA. as the yard stick. The practice of Abdullah ibn Umar RA. is referred to as an example because he was always meticulous in following the Sunnat of Rasulullah .
Imaam Bukhari (may Allah's mercy be upon him) states:
'When Ibn Umar RA performed Haj or Umrah, he used to hold his beard with his clasped fist, and that hair which was longer, he cut off'.
It is obvious from this, that Rasulullah cut his beard in length and breadth in this manner. Besides Ibn Umar RA, Sayyidina Umar RA and Abu Hurairah RA did the same. In the commentary of Bukhari, Hafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allah's mercy be upon him) relates from Tabari that one group maintain that whatever is longer than the fist span should be cut off. Then Tabari relates that this was the practice of Ibn Umar RA.and Abu Hurairah RA.
It is also related that Sayyidina Umar did this to another person. This method is described by the Ulama of the Hanafis and Shafe'ees in their books of Fiq'h.
In 'Abu Dawood' it is mentioned thus;
'We use to allow our beards to increase in length and breadth, except during Haj and Umrah', (after which it used to be cut back to size). This is clearly understood from Ibn Umar's RA' practice and also the Hadith of Ibn Umar to this effect, which has been quoted above from 'Bukhari'. It is therefore clear from this that the Sahaba RA. generally used to lengthen their beards during the year and after Haj or Umrah the extra length was cut off. It is also a fact that Rasulullah's beard was the length of one palm or longer. This is the reason why he performed khilaal of it (combed it with his finger); and he used a comb to straighten it. It was so thick and wide that it covered his upper chest in length and breadth.
In this respect the teachings of Ammaar ibn Yaasir , Abdullah ibn Umar RA., Sayyidina Umar RA, Abu Hurairah RA and Jaabir RA indicate that they all used to keep beards that were one palm length or more and they preached this to others. It thus logically follows that this was the practice of most Sahaba RA. . Jaabir RA, supports this when he says: 'We use to grow long beards and only during the Haj and Umrah did we trim them'.
Rasulullah has commanded the Sahaba RA. and the Ummah to lengthen their beards and make this a symbol by which a Muslim is recognized. This will be the exclusive symbol and uniform of the believer. It is therefore not permissible to shave, nor to shorten, nor to keep a small (goatee) beard.
(Extracts from the 'Philosophy of the Beard).
Maulana Quari Muhammad Tayyab Saheb (may Allah grant him long life) has dealt with this subject in detail in his thesis 'The Shar'i position of the Beard'. He has substantiated in a scholarly manner from the Qur'aan and Hadith and the preaching of the Sahaba RA. , that the length of the beard should be one palm long. He also quotes that the author of 'Fathul Qadeer' claims:
'To trim the beard when it is less than one palm in length; like some Maghrabis do, is the way of the Hermaphrodites'. This implies that there is unanimity among all the Fuqahaa that trimming the beard to less than one fist span is not permissible. This unanimity in itself is sufficient to substantiate its obligation and compulsion.
Imaam Muhammad (may Allah's mercy be upon him) writes in his 'Kitaabul Aathaar' where he relates from Imaam Abu Hanifa (may Allah's mercy be upon him), who relates from Haytham (May Allah's mercy be upon him) who relates from Ibn Umar that he (Ibn Umar RA) used to hold his beard in his hand and cut off that which was longer. Imaam Muhammad (may Allah's mercy be upon him) says that this is what we follow and this was the decision of Imaam Abu Hanifa (may Allah's mercy be upon him).
The decision of the four Imaams and those of some other Ulama have been given in detail and substantiated in 'Awjazul Masaalik'. A reference in this book is made to the strongly substantiated and most acceptable decision of the Shafi'ees to leave the beard as it is when it exceeds the one palm length.
This is the ruling of the Hanafis as well. The generally adopted decision of the Maalikis is that when the beard grows exceptionally long it should be trimmed. This does not mean that it can be shorter than the regulation palm length, nor does it mean that it cannot be kept longer than one palm length. According to the Hanafis, if it is longer than one palm length, it is desirable that it be cut back to a palm length.
1. Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (may Allah's mercy be upon him) in his book 'Islahur Rusoom'. under the discussion of incorrect customs, has also mentioned the shaving of the beard, to cut it less than the length of the palm, to keep long moustaches - as many youth are doing and regarding it as being smart and up to date.
The Hadith categorically states that the beard should be lengthened and the moustaches cut. This is related both in 'Bukhari' and 'Muslim'. Rasulullah has sternly commanded this to his followers. Wherever Rasulullah gives a command then that act becomes compulsory (Waajib), and to neglect this Waajib command is totally prohibited, (Haraam). Thus it is forbidden (Haraam) to shave the beard and keep long moustaches. This is further elaborated in another Hadith in which Rasulullah has said: 'whosoever does not cut his moustache is not of our group'. This has been related by Ahmad, Tirmizi and Nasa'ee.
Now that the fact has been established that it is a sinful act to shave or shorten the beard, therefore those who adamantly continue to do so, and regard the growing of the beard as an embarrassment, and jeer and mock at those who do keep full beards; for such people to maintain their Imaan (faith) is most difficult. For them it is imperative that they repent forthwith and also renew their Imaan and marriages; and make their appearances according to the teachings of Allah and His Rasu l .
Rationally too the beard for menfolk is like what hair of the head is to a women, both being creations of beauty. If the shaving of the hair on a woman’s head is deforming, then how could the shaving of a males face ever contribute to his good looks. Truly there is no explanation, except that foreign customs have pulled a curtain over our insight and reasoning, and have perplexed our common sense.
Some say that the Turks shave, and therefore we follow them. The answer to that is, if the general military personnel act contrary to the Shari'ah, that does not justify their action, and it cannot be relied on as Shar'i proof to govern Masaa'il. Those who shave are disobedient; regardless of the country of their origin. Some shave to appear young and to hide their age, as they feel that achieving certain qualifications at an advanced age is embarrassing. This too is an utterly meaningless notion. Age is a gift from Allah, the more years you have lived, the more blessed you are. To try and hide this fact is really a form of ungratefulness for what you are blessed with. To achieve any form of qualification at an old age is in fact honourable, and praiseworthy. This is because your keenness for perfection of a subject at that age is even more worthy of envy, and if according to some fools the keeping of the beard is the cause for embarrassment, then they should remember that according to many nonbelievers (Kaafirs), to be a Muslim is also a cause of embarrassment and backwardness. So Allah forbid, should Islam too be forsaken ?
Just as we do not leave Islam, because the Kuffaar regard it as a defect and a cause of backwardness, so why should the symbol and appearance of Islam be neglected because some irreligious misfits think it an embarrassment and an unpresentable appearance. These are the evil instigations of Shaytaan.
It is sad to see the religious students of Arabic involved in this un-Islamic act; suffice to say of them; 'Four leggeds only to carry a few books'. They are indeed in a distressing position and most unfortunate, for they are well acquainted with the rules of Shari'ah, which they are preaching. Yet they do not practice what they preach.
There are many warnings in the Qur'aan and the Hadith for such Aalims who do not practice what they preach. The ignorant are driven further astray by following the wrong practice of such Aalims. The sin and its burden for this type of irreligiousness is justly heaped onto such Aalims. As mentioned previously the one who is the cause of a wrong deed is just as sinful as those who commit those sins, therefore he will also be included amongst those who will burden the after effects of the sin. According to my view the Principals and staff of all religious madrasahs where students are involved in this sinful act or any other un-Islamic conduct, should take sterner action by giving such students the opportunity to repent and abstain, or else expel them forthwith. To give leadership to such irreligious students is to destroy humanity and-Islam. 'To educate the disobedient and ill-bred, is like handing arms and ammunition to a robber'.
It should be further remembered that it is not permissible for a barber or hairdresser to cut or trim the beard, or the head in any fashion other than that allowed by the Shari'ah. To assist anyone in a sinful act is similar to executing that very act. It is befitting for a Muslim barber to politely refuse to carry out such un-Islamic acts.
(Islaahur Rusoom).
There are some fortunate and upright barbers who, inspite of need, blankly refuse to shave the beards of their clients. Though these are very few, I know of several such persons, enduring all the consequences of hardships, they faithfully stood by their covenant not to act un-Islamically in this matter.
A few years ago there was such an incident; there was a person from Patna in Bihar State, known as Haaji Peydal. He set out on foot to perform Haj. At every five steps he would perform two rakaats Naf'l Salaah. Many of his relatives and dear ones, who had held high posts kept track of his walk. Whenever he reached a place that was near a railway, they went to meet him by rail. When this Haaji reached Saharanpur he stayed at the house of Rao Yaqoob All Khan, who was a mureed of my sincere colleague Maulana Raipuri (may Allah enlighten his resting place). A certain deputy (High official) of Agra came to meet this Haaji at Rao Yaqoob Ali Khans residence. There this visiting deputy called a barber to attend to him.
When he professionally completed the hair cut, with which his client was very pleased, he was asked to shave the face as well. The barber humbly clasped his hands and said: 'Sir, this I have never done in all my life'. This honest remark pleased the visitor, and if I remember, he presented the barber with an extra renumeration.
2. Shaikhul Islam Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani (may Allah enlighten his resting place) in his book 'The Philosophy of the Beard' writes that in any organised Kingdom or political system every department has its exclusive uniform. The uniform of the police and army is different, so is that of the mounted cavalry and the infantry. And there is also a difference between the uniforms of the ground forces and the air force. The uniform of the post office is totally different to the others, etc. If any of these officers is not in his own uniform while on duty he is sternly reprimanded, or even penalized. Just as these uniforms are necessary for the effective functioning of any kingdom or government, so are they important among tribes and nations - in Allah's Kingdom -.
If a study is made it will be seen that England, France and Germany etc., have their own designs of flags and their exclusive uniforms, so that those who are familiar with them could immediately identify any of them. They could be identified on the battlefields and on political platforms and fronts. Every nation does its utmost to presence and protect Its flag and also its national symbols and emblems. In fact when some transgressions are made in this matter it could lead to explosive situations. Pull down a flag or insult it in any way, and then see the consequences that could even lead to war.
This system of identification has always been adopted by governments, nations and religious groups since time immemorial. If it were not for this it would be impossible to identify personnel and officials of different government departments, between nations and between governments.
How would one differentiate between a soldier and a civilian, and between a policeman and a postman ? . This has been regarded as necessary by all countries and nations, and is still so today. Those nations and countries who do not preserve and protect their uniform and identity are very easily and quickly absorbed into other nations. They disappear in such a manner that no trace of their name or culture remains.
The Sikhs uphold their symbol of identity by keeping the hair of their head and beard. This has given them the status of an independent nation and they are regarded as a living cult today. The British came - to India at the end of the sixteenth century. They stayed for about two hundred and fifty years. They came from a country that is cold, but they did not give up their coats, trousers, hats and neckties in this country which is very hot. That is why a nation three hundred and fifty million could not absorb the comparatively small number that came. They presented their identity as a separate nation and as an exclusive government.
The Muslims came here - India - over a thousand years ago, and if they had not presented their identity and uniform they should today appear as Hindus; just as those who came before the Muslims, and did not protect their identities and were totally absorbed by the Hindus. Today besides being mentioned on pages of history books there is no trace of their name or culture anywhere on the globe. The Muslims did not only preserve their uniform, but also safeguarded their religious values, Islamic names of males and females, Islamic way of life and culture, customs and language. That is why they survived as a nation in India, and thus their identity will remain as long as they protect these values; when they let up they will be obliterated, and absorbed by others.
It is evident from this that any nation or religion can only continue to survive when it adopts an exclusive form of appearance, civilization and culture, custom and language. Therefore it was necessary for the religion of Islam; that was, and still is higher than all other religions in its beliefs, character and practice; to adopt an exclusive uniform and outlook To protect and preserve this mode and uniform is tantamount to protecting the religion itself, and lives will readily be sacrificed for this purpose. This exclusive uniform is the mode of those who are constantly obedient to Allah, setting them apart from those who are transgressors and the enemies of Islam. (This is called the SHA'AA'IR AL ISLAM -- Symbol of Islam).
By this will the righteous be preferred over the transgressors before Allah the Almighty. This is the essence of the Hadith; 'He who chooses for him-
'He who chooses for himself the mode of a people will be regarded as from them'. This is the Hadith which at times annoy many un-lslamically inclined youth.
This is why Rasulullah has suggested a particular uniform for his followers. 'mine difference between us and the Mush'riks (those who ascribe partners with Allah) is the turbans on the topis - headgear -'and he said: 'Oppose the Ahle Kitaab when making paths while combing your hair'. This is the reason for the instruction to keep the length of the trouser above the ankles, by differentiating between those who are arrogant and boastful.
Hanafi ruling:
The Beard. What exactly is the Wajib - to actually keep a beard, or to keep it at the length of one fist ? One brother I know .... who makes taqleed to the Hanafi school, told me that a Hanafi alim told him that the wajib is to actually keep a beard, and that length itself is not the issue...however I was always under the impression that the wajib is fist length, and anything less is transgression [fisq].
Walaikum assalam,
In the Hanafi school:
In the Durr al-Mukhtar is says that the beard's "...sunnah length is a fistful... And as for shortening it when it is less than that, as some North Africans and effeminate men do, this is something no one [i.e. of the Hanafi scholars] has said is permitted..."
Ibn Abidin concurred with this in his supercommentary Radd al-Muhtar. The scholars explain that "sunnah length" here means, "the length affirmed by the sunnah," though the ruling of this length is that it is wajib (necessary), as clearly understood from that which comes after in the same text.
This position is also confirmed in other works, such as al-Bahr al-Ra'iq, Fath al-Qadir, and al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya. This is what I learned from my teachers, both Syrian and Indian, and is mentioned in the books of fatawa as well.
The evidence, from the Prophet's practice, and repeated instructions to, "Lengthen your beards and trim your mustaches," [Muslim] would confirm this.
Shaykh Nuh translated some of these: [See his article On Keeping the Beard, at http://www.masud.co.uk
Ibn 'Umar relates from the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) that he said: "Do otherwise than those who ascribe partners to Allah (al-mushrikin): leave beards be, and trim mustaches." And ibn 'Umar, when he went on hajj or 'umra, grasped his beard with his hand, and removed what was in excess of it (Sahih al-Bukhari. 9 vols. Cairo 1313/1895. Reprint (9 vols. in 3). Beirut: Dar al-Jil, n.d., 7.206: 5892 and Sahih Muslim, 5 vols. Cairo 1376/1956. Reprint. Beirut: Dar al-Fikr, 1403/1983, 1.222: 259).
Shaykh Nuh then said, "In his commentary on Sahih al-Bukhari, the great Hanafi hadith Imam Badr al-Din al-'Ayni says:
If one objects: "What does 'leave beards be' mean, when 'to leave be' (al-i'fa') literally means 'to make plenteous,' and there are people, who, if they were to leave their beard, following the outward sense of leave beards be, their beard would become outrageous in length and width, and look disgusting, so that the person would become a topic of conversation, or a proverb"--The reply is that it is established from the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) that this hadith is conditioned by a specific context [i.e. the demand to do the contrary to what the Persians and non-Arabs did, established by the first words of the hadith], and that the amount and definition of the beard that is unlawful to leave uncut have been differed upon by the early Muslims . . . . The meaning, in my opinion, is "as long as it does not exceed what is customary among [religious] people." 'Ata' [ibn Abi Rabah, Mufti of Mecca, d. 114/732), has said, "There is no harm in trimming a little from the length and sides of his beard, if it grows large and long, in order to avoid notoriety, or if one risks being made fun of" ('Umda al-qari sharh Sahih al-Bukhari. 20 vols. Cairo: Mustafa Babi al-Halabi, 1392/1972, 18.76)
As one scholar used to say, "This is all I have, and that which others have may well be much better."
And Allah knows best.
Faraz Rabbani.
Incidentally, Imam Badr al-Din al-`Ayni was also a sufi, of the Shadhili tariqa, being a student of Imam Qutb al-Wujud Sham sal-Din Muhammad al-Hanafi al-Shadhili
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Shafi Ruling: Could do you tell me the relied-upon position of the Shafi school regarding the beard? 1) Is it haram to shave the beard? Some people say that shaving the the beard is haram in all schools. I have heard it is only makruh, and this is the opinion of Imam Shafi and Imam Nawawi?. Is this the relied opinion? Which scholars have said what? What is the Maliki position? 2) Is it permissible to have a trimmed beard? What is the sunnah length? 3) What is the beard according to the Shafi school? I have heard if one grows some hairs on the chin (the 'Goatee'), this is a beard in the school as well. Does this follow the sunnah and is it permissible? I also have heard that number of Shafi scholars have goatee's and is a sound opinion as well, but this entails shaving the sides, which is haram I think? |
Imam al-Shafi‘i is reported to have said that shaving the beard is forbidden (haram). This is not, however, the position taken by the Shafi‘i school.[1] The soundest position in the Shafi‘i school is that shaving the beard is disliked (makruh) and not forbidden (haram). This is the position of all the important figures in the late Shafi‘i school, such as Ibn Hajar al-Haytami, Muhammad al-Ramli, al-Khatib al-Shirbini, and Shaykh al-Islam Zakariyya al-Ansari (Allah be pleased with all of them). (I‘anatu’l-Talibin, 2.341). Ibn Hajar has mentioned that this was the position of both Imam Nawawi and Imam Rafi‘i (Hashiyat Shirwani, 9.376). Imam Nawawi explicitly mentions that it is disliked to shave the beard in his commentary on Sahih Muslim and also in his Rawdat al-Talibin. Anyone familiar with the works of the school will realize that the agreement of all these scholars seals the case as far as the position of the school is concerned.
What is the ruling of trimming the beard?
To trim the beard is also disliked. It is not forbidden, as can be inferred a fortiori from the ruling regarding shaving the beard (if it is not forbidden to shave the beard, how can it be forbidden to trim it?). Ibn Hajar says in his Tuhfa:
“The outword purport (dhahir) of what our imams say is that it is unconditionally disliked to trim the beard.” (Tuhfat al-Muhtaj, 9.376)
What is the sunna length of the beard?
The optimal length of the beard is to leave it uncut and not touch it at all, as mentioned by Ibn Hajar above. Anything less than this optimal length is disliked. Ibn Hajar foresees the objection that this would result in making one’s appearance ugly by saying that this would only occur if one neglected caring for one’s beard by not washing or oiling it. (Tuhfat al-Muhtaj, 9.376).
What constitutes a minimum beard?
I have heard through Shaykh Amjad Rasheed of Amman (who studied in Hadramawt), that the Shafi‘is of Hadramawt say that someone who grows hair on his chin is legally considered to have kept a beard. As such, a goatee would minimally fulfill the sunna of keeping a beard, although it would obviously be superior to keep a fuller beard. The level of disliked-ness (karahah) in which one is engaged is commensurate with one’s distance from the optimal (uncut) beard.
The way of caution
Other schools of fiqh are not as lenient regarding the beard. The Hanafis and Hanbalis both hold, for example, that keeping a beard is obligatory (I don’t know the position of the Malikis; perhaps one of the Californians could get a referenced answer from Zaytuna regarding this).[2] Despite the fact that the official position of the Shafi‘i school is that shaving one’s beard is disliked, many prominent Shafi‘is (al-Halimi among the early Shafi‘is and al-Adhra‘i, Ibn al-Rif‘ah, Zayn al-Din al-Malibari, and Ibn Ziyad among the later ones) have taken the opinion that it is forbidden. As such, the way of caution in one’s religion would be to keep a full beard. Sidi Omar recently quoted Habib ‘Ali as saying that it does not befit a student of knowledge to shave his beard.
And Allah knows best.
Hamza Karamali and Mostafa Azzam.
Compulsion of the Beard
No altering let there be in Allah's creation
(Surah Roum, Ayah 30)
Rasoolullah stated:
"Ten things are of nature, in which cutting the moustache and growing a full beard are mentioned." (Abu Dawood)
"Trim the moustache closely, and let the beard flow (grow)". (Muslim)
"Act against (contrary) to the polytheists, trim closely the moustache and grow the beard." (Muslim)
"Trim closely the moustache and grow the beard". (Muslim)
'I have no connection with one who shaves, shouts and tears his clothing e.g. in grief or affection". (Bukhari and Muslim)
"Any one who shaves has no claim to the mercy of ALLAH." (Tabraani)
Sahaaba
Abdullah Ibn Umar used to cut that portion (which exceeds the grip of the hand) of beard. (Tirmidhi).
The teaching of Ammar Bin Yaasir, Abdullah Ibn Umar, Sayyidina Umar, Abu Hurairah and Jaabir, indicates that all of them used to keep a beard that was one fist in length or more. Jaabir had said; "We used to grow long beards and only during Hajj and Umrah did we trim them to the required length."
Abdullah Ibn Umar relates that; "He who imitates the kuffaar (non-believers) and dies in that state, will be raised up with them on the Day of Qiyamah (Judgement)."
Rasoolullah said, "There were ten such habits amongst the people of Loot which were the cause of their destruction. Amongst these habits is listed the shaving of the beard and the lengthening of the moustache." (Ibn Asaakir)
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