Der Bart des Muslims

Niemand ist Gläubiger oder Ungläubiger wegen seines Bartes, doch für Muslime ist das Bartstylen oder das Abrasieren eine entstellende Angelegenheit und unter der Ehre des Muslims, denn es gehört zum Nachahmen der Ungläubigen, und jeder Muslim kann das zumindest unterbewusst empfinden, ganz unabhängig davon, wie es rechtlich beurteilt wird. Rasierte oder bartgestylte Muslime sollten daher keine Imame oder Vertreter von Muslimen sein, doch siehe da, genau umgekehrt ist es heute zu beobachten. .... Jeder Muslim sollte wissen, dass der Gesandte Allahs seinen Bart wachsen ließ und seinen Schnurbart kürzte und den Muslimen anordnete, ihre Bärte wachsen zu lassen und ihre Schnurbärte zu kürzen. Islam-rechtlich gesehen ist das Wachsen lassen des Bartes daher eine Sunnah, das Abrasieren oder das starke Kürzen hingegen ist von der Mehrheit der Gelehrten als haraam (untersagt) klassifiziert worden.

Der Bart des Muslims ist neben der Kleidung eine Äußerung des Muslims, wodurch sich das Innere der Seele äußerlich darstellt. Wenn ein Muslim typische Kleidung der Ungläubigen trägt, kann er eventuell durch seinen muslimischen Bart noch als Muslim erkannt werden. Der Prophet Allahs - Segen und Friede auf ihm - hat seine Gemeinschaft davor gewarnt, Nicht-Muslime zu imitieren und sagte: "Wer ein Volk nachahmt, der gehört zu ihnen." Und das ist keine Philosophie!

Das sollte dem Gläubigen als Wissen in der Angelegenheit eigentlich genügen. Aber wie ist es mit dem Muslim, den Allah keinen oder fast keinen Bart wachsen lässt? Wie könnte er der Sunnah folgen, wo ihn doch Allah keinen Bart wachsen lässt?

. Der Sunnah folgt der Muslime hier nicht allein indem er einen Bart hat, sondern indem er das Natürliche, also wie ihn Allah geschaffen hat akzeptiert und es dabei belässt. Würde sich der bartlose Muslim einen Bart aufkleben, damit er der Sunnah folgt, so beginge er die selbe Sünde wie derjenige, der sich den Bart abrasiert oder ihn zu stark kürzt. Deshalb ist es eine Sunnah und keine Farḍt (Pflicht) einen Bart zu haben (ihn wachsen lassen), während  das Abrasieren oder das zu starke Kürzen des Bartes haraam (untersagt) ist.

Muss der Muslim einen Bart haben? 

Den Bart wachsen zu lassen ist für denjenigen, dem er wächst, eine Absicht das dem Propheten Muhammad  zu folgen bzw. das Natürliche zu belassen; für denjenigen aber, dem der Bart nicht wächst, ist es das Natürliche, eben keinen Bart zu haben. Islamrechtlich gesehen ist der Bart eine Sunnah Mu'akkadah und keine Farḍt (Verpflichtung), denn wie könnte es auch sein, wo doch vielen Muslimen gar kein Bart wächst. Das Rasieren des Bartes aber, das ist (nach der hanifitischen, malikitischen und hanbalitischen Rechtschule) eindeutig hharaam (untersagt) und in der Schafiitischen Rechtschule nach einem Teil der Gelehrten haraam, nach einem anderen nicht wobei aber das Rasieren zum nachahmen der ungläubigen gehört und insofern auch wieder haraam ist. Viele Muslime belassen ihren Bart selbst dann, wenn er nur aus drei Haaren besteht, denn Sie wollen die Ehre, Rasullullahs Anordnung befolgen nicht verlieren, und einen Hinweis darauf geben, dass sie den Gesandten Allahs zum Vorbild haben. Wer seinen Bart hingegen abrasiert, der gibt einen Hinweis darauf, dass er jemand anderen zum Vorbild hat, es sei den er hat entschuldigende Gründe wie etwa Krankheit oder politische Verfolgung, aber das ist derzeit in Europa nicht der Fall.

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه), reported that the ruler of Yemen, appointed by the Persian emperor Kisra, sent two envoys to the Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم). When they came into the Prophet's (صلى الله عليه وسلم) presence, he noticed that they had shaved their beards and let their moustaches grow big. Hating their ugly appearance, The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) turned his face away and said, “Woe be to you, who told you to do so?” They replied:“Our lord (Kisra) did!” The Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) responded “But my Lord, exalted and glorified be He, has commanded me to spare my beard and trim my moustache.” [Recorded by Ibn Jarir at-Tabari, Ibn Sa’d, and Ibn Bishran.

Heute sind viel Muslime rasiert oder zeigen sich mit allen möglichen Designerbärten und haben damit eine gross e Schande und Erniedrigung über alle Muslime gebracht. Manche versuchen das zu rechtfertigen, doch die Mehrheit der Rasierten empfindet wohl nichts mehr dabei. Man findet rasierte Meister der Qur'aanrezitation, rasierte Imaame und rasierte Präsidenten Islamischer Organisationen, die sich offensichtlich dafür auch nicht genieren. Es scheint, dass ihre Minderwertigkeitskomplexe gegenüber der westlichen Zivilisation, bzw. der demokratischen Religion so gross sind, dass sie sich genieren Muslime zu sein oder als solche auf der Strasse erkannt zu werden. Sie befürchten nicht modern genug zu sein oder der Frau nicht zu gefallen,  und befürchten ihren Job oder Position wegen des Bartes zu verlieren. Sie  verteidigen sich, indem sie sagen, sioe können so Muslimen besser helfen. Oftmals wollen sie sich selbst zu überlisten, indem sie sagen: "Der Bart ist eine Sunnah und keine Fard" und "das war früher wichtig, die Zeit hat sich geändert" oder "Es kommt nicht auf den Bart an, sondern auf die innern Qualitäten" und "Bin ich denn kein Muslim wenn ich keinen Bart habe" usf., usf.  Es ist eindeutig, Muslime die sich rasieren, haben sich die Ungläubigen zum Vorbild genommen. Die Sunnah ist sehr wichtig für Muslime, da die Muslime in dieser Zeit aber krank und schwach im Herzen sind, glauben sie den Verfälschern des Islam und lernen dort zu sagen: „ Es ist nur eine Sunnah“

Möge Allah der Erhaben uns davor bewahren zu sagen "Es ist nur eine Sunnah und wenn wir diesen Spruch irgendwo aufgeschnappt haben ohne unsern Verstand und vor allem ohne unser Herz gefragt zu haben, sollten wir Allah um Vergebung bitten, denn ER ist der Vergebende. Die vier Gelehrten der Rechtsschulen waren sich einig, dass wer auch auch die geringste Sunnah in ihrer Bedeutung schmälert, damit den Islam verlässt.

Aber ist es nicht so, dass der Bart nur eine Äusserlichkeit ist und man doch mehr auf Charakterqualitäten achten sollte, die doch viel wichtiger sind?

Ich denke es ist eher so, dass wer diese anderen, wichtigeren Qualitäten besitzt, für den ist es leicht seinen Bart wachsen zu lassen, selbst dann, wenn er dafür verhöhnt und verspottet würde. Der Muslim, welcher dem Gesandten Allahs innerlich in seinen Charaktereigenschaften zu folgen versucht, der leugnet dies auch äusserlich nicht und wartet auch nicht, bis er diese vorzüglicheren Qualitäten seines Vorbilds erreicht hat. Die Trennung von Innerlichkeit und Äusserlichkeit als Argument ist ein Symptom des Säkularismus. Inneres und Äusseres stehen immer im Zusammenhang, so wie dieses Leben mit dem nächsten im Zusammenhang steht. Selbst eine Seifenblase kann nicht in Inneres und Äusseres getrennt werden ohne das sie platzt.

Warum sind aber so viele von denjenigen, die sich zum Islam bekennen rasiert?

Historisch gesehen ist das "Rasiertsein" für Muslime eine Schande; dem gelehrten Jalaluddin Afghani, hat man angeblich wegen seiner Irrlehren, die Barthaare ausgerissen. Später aber, da wollten sich manche Muslime zwecks wirtschaftlicher Vorteile mit ihren Kolonialherren arrangieren und dafür haben sie sich "angepasst" - unter anderem eben durch das Abrasieren ihres Bartes. Dann gab es auch Islamfeindliche Herrscher, welche zwar als Muslime auftraten aber Bärtige einsperrten und viele Muslime haben sich darauf aus Angst rasiert bis sie, über Generationen hinweg, sich an diese Schande gewöhnt haben und das Rasieren als normal empfanden. Heute leben bereits Millionen Muslime in den Herrschaftsgebieten Ungläubiger und rasieren sich ihre Bärte meist aus ähnlichen Gründen; manche sagen auch dass ihre Frau den Bart nicht mag. Es ist oft zu hören, dass der Bart ja "nur Sunnah sei", als ob "Sunnah" etwas Unwichtiges bedeuten würde oder beliebig zur Wahl stünde. Manche behaupten auch, dass der Bart früher wichtig war, damit man sich von den Ungläubigen unterschied, doch heute, wo die Ungläubige doch auch (manchmal) Bärte haben, ist der Bart für Muslime im Sinne der Unterscheidung bedeutungslos geworden. Wieder andere behaupten, dass es früher keine guten Rasiermesser gegeben hätte oder dass es "nicht im Qur'aan" stünde, dass man einen Bart haben müsse. Andere wiederum behaupten, sie könnten als rasierte (Imame) den Islam besser unter den Ungläubigen verbreiten und ähnlich unsinniges Gerede. Es gibt auch solche, die stutzen sich einen Stoppelbart, als wollten sie auf beiden Seiten stehen und nicht selten berufen sich Muslime auf die schafiitische Rechtschule, denn ein Teil deren Gelehrten hat das Rasieren nicht ausdrücklich als untersagt (hharaam) erklärt, während sie aber das Nachahmen der Kufaar (da gehört das Bartrasieren wohl eindeutig dazu) sehr wohl als haraam erklärten. Manche halten sich auch Designerbärte, doch das ist vermutlich stärker hharaam als das gänzliche Rasieren. Selbst wenn eine Handlung  rechtlich gesehen nicht als hharaam eingestuft sein mag, so heisst dies noch lange nicht, dass das nicht in einem anderen Zusammenhang hharaam (wie etwa dem Nachahmen der Kufaar) sein kann.

 Muhammad Abu Bakr Müller

Nachsehendeinige Ajaat, Hadiithe und Fatwas zum Thema Bart, bzw. über das Verbot des Kürzen oder des Rasierens des Bartes und damit zusammenhängende Fragen - kopiert von verschiedenen Websites.

1. Ikhtilaf (Meinungsverschiedenheit) zwischen den Gelehrten !!!

Jene Ulaama die es als erlaubt ansehen nach der Faustlänge zu kürzen. Als Beweis dient dieser Hadith: Es wird überliefert, dass Ibn Umar رضي الله عنهما seinen Bart beim Hajj und bei der Umrah kürzte, indem er das entfernte, was über die Faustlänge hinausragte. (Sahih Buharyy)

Es wird von Ali, Tawus, Hasan Al-Basri, Al-Qasim, Al-Wulayk, Ibn Sirin, Ibrahim An-Naha.i und anderen übermittelt, dass sie das Kürzen des Bartes, was über eine Faustlänge hinausragt, als erlaubt betrachteten.Ibn Abi Schaybah in „AL-MUSANNAF“, 6/108-109.

Es wird von Imam Ahmad berichtet, dass er über einen Mann, der seinen Bart kürzte, gefragt wurde. Hierauf sagte er: „Ja. Das, was über eine Faustlänge hinausragt.“ In einer anderen Überlieferung steht, dass er über das Kürzen des Bartes gefragt wurde, und er sagte: „Ibn Umar nahm vom Barte, was über die Faustlänge hinausragte.“„AD-DA'iFAH“ 5/379.

2. Ulaama die es als Haram ansehen überhaupt den Bart zu kürzen.

Al-Mubarakfuri sagt: „ اعفوا “-(I'FU), „ اوفوا “-(AWFU), „ ارخوا “-(ARKHU), ارجوا„ “-(ARJU), „ وفرو “-(WAFIRU), sind Verben im Imperativ, deren gleiche Bedeutung in den Ahadith gekommen sind, und zum Wachsenlassen des Bartes im Zustand, wie er kommt, verpflichtet.“ 154 An-Nawawi meint: „Die Bedeutung des Verbes „ اوفوا “-(AWFU - welches in den Ahadith erwähnt wird) ist gleich dem des Verbes „ اعفوا “-(I'FU), und es bedeutet den Bart in den Zustand wachsen lassen, wie er herauswächst und ihm nicht kürzen .“ Es gibt auch keinen Dalil das Nabii (salallahu 3layhi wa salam )jemals einen Bart gekürzt hätte. Abgesehen von dieser Meinungsverschiedenheit sind sich die Islamischen Gelehrten im Konsens (Ijma), dass das Kürzen des Bartes unterhalb der Faustlänge nicht erlaubt ist. Dafür gibt es gar keine Grundlage im Islam, und dies wurde nie von jenen praktiziert, welche die Grenzen Allahs عز و جل gekannt haben. Siehe die Worte von Ibn Abidin in „KHASCHIYATU RADDI-L-MUHTAR“, 2/445 wo er sagt: „DasKürzen des Bartes unterhalb einer Faustlänge wurden von keinem Gelehrten als erlaubt angesehen.“ Ibn Abidin al-Hanafi sagt, dass das Rasieren Bartes zu „HAWARIMU-L-MURU'ATI“ - „Das, was die Männlichkeit, Mangelhaftigkeit und Tapferkeit negiert“ gehört. Siehe „AL-'UKUD“, 1/329. Dies ist einer der Voraussetzungen, dass wenn sie nicht erfüllt wird, man von so einem Überlieferer keine Überlieferungen annehmen darf. Dies ist eigentlich die Sache, die seine Vertrauenswürdigkeit negiert. So sagt es Imam ar-Ramili in „NIHAYATU-L-MUKHTAJ“, 8/299. Entnommen aus „AL-MARU'AH“, S. 99-100.

Allamah Majlisi (Möge Allah swt mit seiner Seele Gnädig sein) zitiert in einer Überlieferung, im Kapitel 16 seines Buches Bihar al-Anwar basierend auf der Authorität von ibn Masud in welcher der heilige Prophet des Islams, Muhammad (s.) sagt: "Als Allah der Barmherzige die Reue Adams (a.) annahm, kam Gabriel (a.) zu Adam (a.) und sagte: "Möge Allah dir ein langes Leben und Schönheit gewähren." Adam (a.) sagte dann: "Ich verstehe was du mit einem langen Leben meinst, allerdings versteh ich nicht was du mit Schönheit meinst." [Folglich warf er sich Allah, seinem Herrn und Meister] dankend nieder und als er sein Kopf hob, sprach er ein Bittgebet und sagte: "Oh Allah, Steigere in mir die Schönheit (welche du mir versprochen hast).", schon bald nach dem er das Bittgebet rezitierte, erschien ein schöner, Bart auf seinem strahlenden Gesicht. Als Gabriel (a.) bezeugte was geschah, berührte er den Bart vom Propheten Adam (a.) und sagte: "Das ist die Antwort auf dein Bittgebet, an deinen Herrn, und es wurde dir erfüllt und deinen männlichen Nachkommen, bis zum Tag der Abrechnung."

Dazu kenne ich jedoch eine schöne Geschichte (Geschichte!! kein Hadith!):

In der Zeit unseres Propheten gab es einen Mann der keinen Bart hatte, nur 3 lange Härchen, die komisch aus sahen. Trotzdem schnitt er sie nicht ab, da er die Sunnah praktizieren wollte. Einige tage später gingen alle Muslime in die Moschee und der Prophet war auch anwesend. Als er diesen Mann mit den 3 langen Härchen sah, da und lächelte er in an. Der Mann aber ging darauf nach dem Gebet nach hause und schnitt seine 3 lange Härchen ab weil er dachte, dass der Prophet in wegen der Härchen ausgelacht hatte. Nächsten Tag ging er wieder zur Moschee und traf den Propheten, der auf den Mann zuging und sagte "Was hast du mit deinem Bart gemacht? Warum hast du es ihn abrasiert? " ...darauf antwortete der Mann "Ich dachte es sieht lustig, da du mich so komisch angeguckt hast" ....der Prophet antwortete: "Ich habe dich angelächelt, weil ich sah wie 3 Engel auf deinen Bart festgeklammert waren und mich angelächelt haben;  um mich herum waren viele Muslime mit Bart, aber keiner war so schön und voll mit NUR wie deiner, daher habe ich dich angelächelt"

Ich weis zwar was du mit der Frage meinst aber die ist Falsch gestellt worden... Bart kann weder Pflicht noch "Sunna" sein. Pflicht (wie die Moslems sagen "Fard") oder "Sunna" ist etwas das man macht. Bart an sich ist etwas erschaffenes. Genau so wie deine Augen oder Ohren, die sind ja auch keine "Sunna" oder so. Dein Bart Wächst von allein. Die eigentliche Frage wäre demnach: Ist es "Sunna" oder Pflich den Bart lang Wachsen zu lassen oder eine Handvoll zu kürzen?  "Kürzt euren Schnurrbart und lasst eure Bärte wachsen - unterscheidet euch von den Mushrikuun (Polytheisten)" (Ahmad,2,229). "Kürzt eure Schnurrbärte und lasst eure Bärte (wachsen), unterscheidet euch von den Zoroastriern" (Muslim 260). "Unterscheidet euch von den Mushrikuun, und lasst eure Bärte (wachsen) und kürzt eure Schnurrbärte" (al-Bukhari Nr. 5892; Muslim Nr. 259)

Wer den Bart ganz abrasiert ist nach dem Islamischen Urteil ein Fasiq (Sünder/ Übeltäter), weil er die Hadithe ignoriert, das Bart-Wachsenlassen vorschreiben. Bartrasieren gilt als "Abändern der Schöpfung ALLAHs" (wie Augenbrauen-Zupfen, es sei denn nur einzelne ganz abseits wachsende Haare)(vgl. Koransure 4:119). Lisan-ul-'Arab und al-Qamus al-Muhit (2 berühmte arab. Wörterbücher) definieren als "Bart": "was auf den Wangen und am Kinn wächst". Abu Huraira, Allahs Wohlgefallen auf ihm, berichtete: Der Prophet, Allahs Segen und Heil auf ihm, sagte: Zur Fitra (natürlichen Veranlagung) gehören fünf Dinge: Die Beschneidung, das Abrasieren der Schamhaare, das Schneiden der (Finger- und Fuss-) Nägel, das Auszupfen der Achselhaare und das Kurzschneiden des Schnurrbarts. (Muslim 377) Ibn `Umar, Allahs Wohlgefallen auf beiden, berichtete: Der Prophet, Allahs Segen und Heil auf ihm, sagte: "Schneidet den Schnurrbart kurz und lasset den Bart frei wachsen" (Muslim 380)  To perform Imamat without Shar'i beard (one fist) (Darul Uloom Amjadia, India, Printed in Monthly Kanzul Iman-India)

Q: In the absence of Imam his student( who does not keep beard ) performs the Imamat, how is it to pray Namaz behind him? And is it allowed to pray Juma Namaz behind him? If about this matter Imam does not say anything to this student then how to treat him, should he be removed from the duty of Imamat or not?

A: To shave beard is definitely not allowed and Haram. In Darr-e-Mukhtar with Shami in part six on page 407 it is mentioned that

1. Therefore if the mentioned student shaves beard or trim it down less than one fist it is a sin to make him Imam and to perform Namaz behind him is makrooh-e-tehreemi and wajib to repeat. In Fatawa-e-Rizvia on page 271 in part three Alahazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Muhadis-e-Barelvi radiallha anhu writes "The one who shaves beard is Faasiq and Muallin. To make him Imam is a sin and to perform Namaz behind him is Makroh-e-Tahrimi (wajib to repeat namaz)" And if for Jumma one can not find an Imam even in another nearby Mosque who follows Sharia't then because of this situation pray Jumma behind this student (later on repeat your namaz as of Zuhr). It is stated in Fatwa-e-Rizvia on page 273 in part three that if not able to find an imam for Jumma beside a fasiq & muallin imam then pray Jumma because it is fard and fard is important (later on repeat your namaz as of Zuhr). If the mentioned Imam does not prohibit his student from imamat then he is committing sin. It is narrated in Hadis Shareef that

2. (Mishkat on page 436). It is must for him to ask mentioned student to stop imamat. If he does not do so then he (imam) must be removed from the duty of imamat. ALLAH Ta'ala says *3. But if he (student) does not have beard by nature and there is nothing wrong with him according to Shri'at then all the prayers can be performed behind him. Allah Ta'ala Knows the best.

 http://www.Islamicacademy.org/html/Fatwa/English/Imamat.htm

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

Growing a beard is an extremely emphasised and encouraged way (Sunnah) of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), and held by the Muslim scholars to be necessary (wajib) for a man.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) repeatedly instructed the growing of a beard in many narrations, and his own habitual and continuous practice was that of growing a full beard. Thus, the obligation of keeping a beard is clear from the statements of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), the statements of the great Imams and the constant practice of the early Muslims (salaf).

1) Sayyiduna Abd Allah ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: "Trim (your) moustaches and lengthen/grow (your) beards." (Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)

2) Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: "Cut off moustaches, leave beards and do otherwise than the fire worshippers." (Sahih Muslim, no. 260)

3) Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: "Trim moustaches, lengthen/leave beards and do not imitate the Jews." (Tahawi, Sharh Ma'ani al-Athar, 4/230)

4) Sayyiduna Abd Allah ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) ordered the trimming/clipping of moustaches and the leaving of the beards." (Sahih Muslim, no. 1/222)

In the above Hadiths, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) categorically commanded the keeping of the beard in many different ways, and with using different words. In the English translation of the above narrations (Hadiths), it is not possible to clearly observe the different wordings used. However, those who may look at the original Arabic text of these narrations will see that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) used different phrases and words to emphasise the keeping of the beard.

The great Hadith master, Imam al-Nawawi (Allah have mercy on him) states in his renowned commentary of Sahih Muslim:

The words: A'fu, Awfu. Arkhu, Arju and Waffiru have all been used; the meaning of all of which is to leave the beard as it is." (Sharh Sahih Muslim, 3/151)

In the above narrations, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) explicitly commanded the growing of the beard. According to the scholars of the "science of juristic principles" (usul al-Fiqh), the explicit command (amr) of the Qur'an and Sunnah signifies the obligatory nature of an act (al-Amr li al-Wujub) unless otherwise proven. (See, for example: al-Nasafi, Kashf al-Asrar Sharh al-Manar, 1/37 for the Hanafi school, al-Baji, Ihkam al-Fusul fi Ahkam al-Usul, p.79 for the Maliki school, al-Shirazi, al-Luma' for the Shafi'i school and Ibn Badran, Nuzhat al-Khatir al-Atir, 2/43 for the Hanbali school).

The Messenger of Allah's (Allah bless him & give him peace) constant practice was also that of keeping a beard:

5) Abu Ma'mar relates that we asked Khabbab (Allah be pleased with him) whether the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) used to recite the Qur'an in the Zuhr and the Asr prayers. He replied in the affirmative. We said, "How did you come to know of this?" He replied, "From the movement of his beard." (Sahih al-Bukhari1/971 & Sunan Abu Dawud, no. 801)

6) Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that when the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) performed ablution (wudhu), he would take a handful of water and put it under his jaws and pass it through his beard. He said, "This is what my Lord ordered me to do." (Sunan Abu Dawud, no. 145, Sunan al-Bayhaqi, 1.54 and authenticated by al-Hakim)

7) Sayyiduna Jabir ibn Abd Allah (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace).......had a thick beard...." (Sahih Muslim, no. 1823)

The four Sunni schools of Islamic law (madhhabs) also quite clearly mention the impermissibility of shaving the beard:

The Hanafi School

The great Hanafi jurist, Imam al-Haskafi (Allah have mercy on him) states in his Durr al-Mukhtar:

"It is unlawful for one to trim his beard....And as for shortening it when it is less than a fistful, as some North Africans and effeminate men do, this is something no one (i.e. of the Hanafi scholars) has said is permitted."(See: Radd al-Muhtar ala al-Durr al-Mukhtar, 2/113, Kitab al-Sawm)

This position is also confirmed in other works, such as al-Bahr al-Ra'iq, Fath al-Qadir, al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, Bada'i al-Sana'i and al-Ikhtiyar.

The Maliki School

Imam al-Dasuqi (Allah have mercy on him) states:

"It is unlawful (haram) for a man to shave off his beard, and the perpetrator will be disciplined." (Hashiyat al-Dasuqi ala Sharh al-Kabir, 1/90, Kitab al-Taharah)

The Shafi'i school

It is stated in Sharh al-Ubab:

"The two shaykhs of the school (i.e. Nawawi & Rafi'i) state that it is MakRuuhh (disliked) to shave the beard, but Ibn al-Rif'a objected to this stating that Imam Shafi'i (Allah have mercy on him) himself categorically mentioned in his book "al-Umm" that shaving the beard is unlawful (haram). Imam al-Azra'i said that the correct position of the school is that, to shave the beard without a valid medical reason is unlawful." (Sharh al-Ubab & Hashiya Ibn Qasim al-Abbadi, 9/376)

Imam Ibn Qasim al-Abbadi also stated in his Hashiya:

"It is said that, shaving of the beard is unlawful." (See: Hashiya Ibn Qasim al-Abbadi ala Tuhfat al-Muhtaj, 2/468, Kitab al-Salat)

The Hanbali School

Imam al-Bahuti (Allah have mercy on him) states:

"(From the acts of nature (fitrah) is to lengthen the beard in a way that it should not be trimmed at all. It is stated in the school that, this is as long as it does not become abnormally long in a way that it causes abhorrence. And it is unlawful (haram) to shave it off." (Kashaf al-Qina', 1/75).

This is also confirmed in the other major Hanbali works, such as: al-Insaf, 1/121 by al-Mawardi, Sharh Muntaha al-Iradat, 1/85 by al-Bahuti and al-Rawdh al-Murbi', 27-28 also by al-Bahuti.

The above statements of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) and the statements of the jurist (fuqaha) go a long way in proving that to shave the beard (or trimming it to a very thin line which in effect is shaving) is unlawful (haram). A Muslim (and especially one who classes himself to be practicing) can never look with favour towards the act of shaving the beard.




Length of the beard

As far as the length of the beard is concerned, there is no doubt in the fact that the practice of the Mercy of both worlds, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) and his Companions (Allah be pleased with them all) was that of keeping and growing the beard to at least a fistful.

The Hadith quoted above from Sahih al-Bukhari, wherein Khabbab (Allah be pleased with him) said that, they (sahaba) came to know of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) reciting in his prayers due to the movement of his beard, is a clear proof of this. One can imagine the length of the Messenger of Allah's beard if the Companions could see it moving from standing behind him in prayers.

Similarly, there are other narrations that clearly state that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) had a very thick and copious beard.

Imam al-Bukhari relates in his "Sahih" from Sayyiduna Abd Allah ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: "Do otherwise than those who ascribe partners to Allah (al-mushrikin): leave beards, and trim moustaches." And Ibn Umar, when he went on Hajj or Umra, would grasp his beard with his hand, and removed what was in excess of it." (Sahih al-Bukhari, 7/206)

Other Companions such as Abu Hurayra and Umar ibn al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with them all) are also reported to have trimmed their beards to a fistful, thus the practice of the Sahaba, who understood the Sunnah more than anyone else, is a clear proof on the permissibility of trimming the beard to a fistful.

The great Hanafi jurist, Imam Ibn Abidin (Allah have mercy on him) states:

"when a narrator (Ibn Umar, in this case), does something in contradiction to what he has narrated (the words "leave/grow beards"), it indicates that the original ruling (of not trimming the beard at all) has been superseded (mansukh) by a subsequent one--permitting the beard to be trimmed, in this case. But trimming it when it is already less than a handful is not permissible in the Hanafi school (Ibn Abidin: Radd al-muhtar ala al-durr al-mukhtar, 2/113)

Thus, as also quoted earlier, the Hanafi School is quite clear, in that it is unlawful to trim the beard shorter than a fistful, as mentioned by both Imam al-Haskafi and Imam Ibn Abidin. There is also an opinion in the school that, to trim the excess hair of a fistful is necessary (wajib), although the preferred opinion is that it is recommended (mandub) to trim it to a fistful. (See: Durr al-Mukhtar)

The Maliki School is also quite clear in that it is impermissible to trim the beard unless it is extremely long. However, they don't restrict this to a fistful.

Imam Shaykh Ali al-Sa'idi al-Adawi (Allah have mercy on him) states:
"There is nothing wrong (in the sense that it is recommended) in trimming the beard if it is exceptionally long.....It will be impermissible to trim it if it was not long enough or was only slightly long. Some commentators (on the risala) explained the meaning of "lengthiness" (kathra) that which is considered to be abnormal, for leaving (such a lengthy beard) causes abhorrence in one's appearance.......I would say: Some commentators have mentioned that trimming the beard when it has not grown (very) long will be unlawful similar to shaving it. But the apparent interpretation (of the text) is that the point of prohibition - as we have already demonstrated to you - is when clipping results in disfigurement (muthla), and this clear in the absence of lengthiness or when it is slightly long and one goes overboard in trimming. As for when it is (very) long and clipping it doesn't produce disfigurement, then the apparently correct interpretation is that it is contrary to what is more appropriate (khilaf al-awla)." (Hashiya of Shaykh Ali al-Adawi on the commentary (sharh) of Imam Abu al-Hasan to the Risala of Ibn Abi Zayd al-Qayrawani, 1/409/410)

Imam al-Qarafi (Allah have mercy on him) states:

"From the nature (fitrah) is the lengthening of the beard unless it becomes extremely long (Jiddan), in which case, it would be recommended to trim it." (al-Zakhira, 13/278)

The Shafi'i school, which is the most liberal on the beard issue, states that it is disliked (makRuuhh) to trim the beard.

Imam al-Nawawi (Allah have mercy on him) states:

"The correct opinion is that it is disliked to trim the beard unrestrictedly (mutlaqan), rather, it should be left uncut however it grows." (al-Majmu', 1/290)

Imam Ibn Hajar (Allah have mercy on him) says in his Tuhfa:

"The outward purport (dhahir) of what our imams say is that it is unconditionally disliked to trim the beard." (Tuhfat al-Muhtaj, 9.376)

The Hanbali School mentions that to leave the beard is necessary, and permissible to trim it to a fistful. (See: Kashaf al-Qina', 1/75)

The upshot of all of the above is that, all the four schools of Islamic law regard the trimming of the beard less than a fistful as blameworthy (unlawful, according to the three schools and disliked according to the Shafi'i school). Thus, one should not trim his beard less than a fistful.

Scholars and those associated to Da'wa work must take extra care with regards to this. Even if trimming the beard less than a fistful is considered to be disliked, it is unfitting for a person active in Islamic work to involve himself in such a practice, for a person is more effective with his actions than his words.

Some individuals try to justify the shaving of the beard using many excuses, such as, it could be an obstacle in the way of effective Da'wa, etc, but these excuses are just that. When we have the clear guidance from the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), then there is no other way for us other than that of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace)

If the service to Islam and Muslims is done with adherence to the laws of Shariah, then one will be rewarded. However, service to Islam and the Muslims, whilst forgoing the injunctions of Islam is neither effective nor acceptable by Allah Almighty.

Consider the following incident recorded by Imam Ibn Kathir in his al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya, Imam al-Tabari in his Tarikh and Imam Ibn al-Athir in his al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh:

"When the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) wrote a letter to the King of Persia (kisra) inviting him to Islam, he (kisra) tore the latter apart and then sent two of his people to the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace). When they entered onto the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), their beards were shaven and they had grown a big moustache, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) disliked to even look at them, and said; "Who commanded you to do this? They replied that their Lord (kisra) had ordered them to do so. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said, "But my Lord has ordered me to shorten my moustache and lengthen my beard...." (al-Bidaya Wal-Nihaya, 4/269/270)

In the above episode, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) disliked even to look at the Messengers of Kisra, for they had grown their Moustaches and shaved off their beards. This should serve as a great deterrent for all those who do not want to hurt the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) in any way, and thus abstain from any practice that would be disliked by him.

Before parting with the issue, I would like to mention that, the position taken above is according to my understanding of the Islamic ruling with regards to the beard, and this is what I have learnt from the majority of my teachers. This is also the position held by the scholars of the Indian Subcontinent and elsewhere.

However, there are other major scholars, especially in the Middle East, who hold a more lenient position with regards to the trimming of the beard. And, as you have seen, that there is nothing clear and decisive in the Shafi'i school stating that the beard must be grown to a fistful unless one will be sinful, thus many great Shafi'i scholars (from Yemen, for example) do not consider growing the beard to a fistful as obligatory, rather merely somewhat disliked if not kept.

Therefore, it is necessary that we have full conviction in what we believe and respect the opinions of others, as long as it falls into the category of valid Ijtihad. The most one may do is offer sincere advice (nasiha) while respecting others' right not to follow the opinion one believes to be correct. This is the path of tolerance, and mercy.

The ruling on Moustache

The trimming and shortening of the moustache has been emphatically mentioned in many narrations of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), as we have seen above, thus, there is no need to repeat these narrations.

The Hadiths from the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) mention two things:

1) Some state, "Shorten your moustaches."

2) Others state, "Remove your moustaches." (See: Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).

Thus, all the Schools of Islamic law agree on the fact that, it is impermissible to leave the moustache in a way that it covers the upper lip, for it is against the Sunnah and unhygienic, especially when eating. It would be unlawful to grow a very long moustache, as is customary in many people.
Zayd ibn Arqam (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: "Whosoever does not shorten his moustache is not one from us." (Sunan Tirmizi, no. 2761, Sunan Nasa'i, no. 14 and Musnad Ahmad, 4/366, and Imam al-Tirmizi classed it to be authentic).

Sayyiduna Abd Allah ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) used to trim or take from his moustache, and the friend of Allah (khalil), the Prophet Ibrahim (blessings be upon him) would also do the same." (Sunan Tirmizi, no. 2760 and Musnad Ahmad, 1/301)

However, the scholars differ as to whether it is better to shorten the moustache or remove it and shave it altogether.

The relied upon opinion in the Hanafi School is that, it is even better to remove one's moustache, though the sunnah is achieved by shortening the it such that it no longer covers the upper lip.

Imam Ibn Abidin (Allah have mercy on him) states that the opinion of shaving off the moustache being a Sunnah, was chosen by many scholars. (Radd al-Muhtar)

Imam al-Tahawi said that it is a Sunnah to shave the moustache, and it is better than shortening it, affirming that this is the position of Abu Hanifa and both his main students (Allah have mercy on them). (See: Tahawi, Sharh Ma'ani al-Athaar, 4.229,

He also reported, with his authentic chains of transmission, that this was from the practice of great Companions, including Abd Allah ibn Umar, Abu Hurayra, Abu Sa'id al-Khudri, Abu Usayd al-Sa'idi, Rafi' ibn Khadij, Jabir ibn Abd Allah, Anas ibn Malik, and others. (ibid.)

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (Allah have mercy on him) used to shave his moustache, thus the Hanbali position is also similar to that of the Hanafis. The Maliki School states that the moustache should not be completely removed, rather only shortened. The Shafi'is also hold a similar view.

This is what I have, and Allah knows best.

Muhammad ibn Adam /  Darul Iftaa

To perform Imamat without Shar'i beard (one fist) (Darul Uloom Amjadia, India, Printed in Monthly Kanzul Iman-India)

Q: In the absence of Imam his student (who does not keep beard ) performs the Imamat, how is it to pray Namaz behind him? And is it allowed to pray Juma Namaz behind him? If about this matter Imam does not say anything to this student then how to treat him, should he be removed from the duty of Imamat or not?

A: To shave beard is definitely not allowed and Haram. In Darr-e-Mukhtar with Shami in part six on page 407 it is mentioned that

1. Therefore if the mentioned student shaves beard or trim it down less than one fist it is a sin to make him Imam and to perform Namaz behind him is makrooh-e-tehreemi and wajib to repeat. In Fatawa-e-Rizvia on page 271 in part three Alahazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Muhadis-e-Barelvi radiallha anhu writes "The one who shaves beard is Faasiq and Muallin. To make him Imam is a sin and to perform Namaz behind him is Makroh-e-Tahrimi (wajib to repeat namaz)" And if for Jumma one can not find an Imam even in another nearby Mosque who follows Sharia't then because of this situation pray Jumma behind this student (later on repeat your namaz as of Zuhr). It is stated in Fatwa-e-Rizvia on page 273 in part three that if not able to find an imam for Jumma beside a fasiq & muallin imam then pray Jumma because it is fard and fard is important (later on repeat your namaz as of Zuhr). If the mentioned Imam does not prohibit his student from imamat then he is committing sin. It is narrated in Hadis Shareef that, (Mishkat on page 436).

2. It is must for him to ask mentioned student to stop imamat. If he does not do so then he (imam) must be removed from the duty of imamat. ALLAH Ta'ala says,

3. But if he (student) does not have beard by nature and there is nothing wrong with him according to Shri'at then all the prayers can be performed behind him. Allah Ta'ala Knows the best.

What Islam says About the Beard

From The Shari Length of the Beard by Mufti Afzal Elias, May Allah reward him abundantly, aameen.  Transferred to the web for the benefit of all Muslims by Islam.tc

This pamphlet is to emphasize the importance and the length of the beard. Many Muslims have queried regarding this point. I have also found that people prefer keeping a beard in imitation of what's in vogue rather than that prescribed by Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). A compilation of this nature has become important because the impact of the western way of life seems to be luring unwary Muslims into such a craze that the importance of the beard itself is being doubted and scoffed at. To those who feel the issue is trivial to worry about, may ALLAH guide him. But to those who genuinely wish to learn and practice what is right, here are sufficient proofs from the Qur'an, Ahadeeth, and learned scholars.

Concerning Adherence to the Sunnah in the Holy Qur'an:

"O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you." (Quran 4:59)

"O ye who believe! Obey Allah and His Messenger, and turn not away from him when ye hear (him speak)." (Quran 8:20)

"O ye who believe! give your response to Allah and His Messenger, when He calleth you to that which will give you life; and know that Allah cometh in between a man and his heart, and that it is He to Whom ye shall (all) be gathered."(Quran 8:24)

"Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah an excellent exempler for him who hopes in Allah and the Final Day, and who remembers Allah." (Quran 33:21)

"What Allah has bestowed on His Messenger (and taken away) from the people of the townships,- belongs to Allah,- to His Messenger and to kindred and orphans, the needy and the wayfarer; in order that it may not (merely) make a circuit between the wealthy among you. So take what the Messenger gives you, and refrain from what he prohibits you. And fear Allah: for Allah is strict in Punishment." (Quran 59:7)

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 MAKRuuhh-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)

THE CALL IS TO GROW A FIST LENGTH BEARD, LET US HEAR AND OBEY TO PROSPER. http://www.Islam.tc/beard/beard.html

The Blessed Beard... Grow it, what's so hard to understand? Commentary by Islam.tc

Muslims are overcome with western influence in their lives and it's easy to forget, nay, neglect the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Little do these Muslims realize the magnitude of their actions in imitating Kufaar (see Hadith section). This is a truly shocking! Hopefully the information presented herein will enlighten those. And then there are others who claim that the matters concerning beards is a "little" issue not worthy of mention nor practice. To them I say get off the denial bandwagon, you're a Muslim! Follow the Prophet (Peace be upon him) in all aspects of life, for he was the best of examples. I couldn't tell you how many times I've mistaken a Muslim brother (outside of the Masjid) for a kaafir on account of his clean-shaven, well oiled, face. How can I say "Assalaamu Alaikum Brother!" when I do not know if he is a Muslim. Yet that very brother then wonders why he was ignored! Sure, he can tell if others are Muslim on account of their beard, but what about himself? From one brother to another, I say: "Grow a beard, then, since it also promotes Brotherhood in the real world. Stand with your Brothers, be one. We know you think you are handsome without it (a beard), but who cares? What matters is how Allah (S.W.T.) sees you. And when you do grow a beard, don't mock the Sunnah, please grow it correctly, i.e. FIST LENGTH. That is the prescribed length and no shorter (see Hadeeth section)..." Peace.

According to the Hanafis:

“It is prohibited for a man to cut his beard ... as for cutting it shorter than a fist-length - as is done by some people from the west and by the effeminate men - no one permits this. And as for shaving it completely, it is the doing of the Indian Jews and the Persian Magians” [Persian Magians-Followers of an old religion, possibly the same as the "Zoroastrians"] [Ad-Durr ul-Mukhtar]. Ibn-Abidayn said: “It is prohibited for a man to cut his beard.” (Radd ul-Muhtar [2:418])  http://forums.Islamicawakening.com/f11/imam-nawawi-on-shaving-the-beard-11983/

The Opinions of the Four Schools of Thought

The Hanafis: They say that it is forbidden for a man to shave his beard, and they have instructed shaving any excessive hair over a handful; cutting anything from what is less than a handful is not allowed.

The Malikies: They ruled on the prohibition of shaving the beard, as well as shortening it if this would result in any disfigurement. If cutting parts of it when it gets too long would not result in any disfigurement, then it is allowed. However, some said that this would be Makrooh (undesirable).

The Shafi'is: They said that shaving the beard is Makrooh (undesirable), although Ibn Al-Rif'ah opposed this ruling, and said that Imam Ash-Shafi'i has stated in his book "Al-Umm" that this is Haram, not just Makrooh. Al-Athra'iy said that the correct opinion amongst the Shafi'is is that shaving it is Haram, unless it had defects.

The Hanbalis: They ruled that shaving the beard is forbidden. No disagreement about this has been reported in the Hanbali school of thought, as stated in "Al-Insaf".

[The above narrations were mentioned by Sheikh Ali Mahfooz, in his book Al-Ibdaa', page 410].

Imam Ibn Hazm said: "And they (scholars) have agreed that shaving the beard is a disfigurement, and is not allowed". [Al-Muhallah, 2/189] Sheikhul-Islam Ibn Taimiyah also stated that: "Shaving the beard is forbidden". [Al-Ikhtiyarat Al-Ilmiyyah, page 6]. Ibn Abdul-Barr stated in his book "At-Tamheed" that shaving the beard is Haram and that it is only done by the effeminate (those who imitate women).

Many of the recent scholars have also ruled on the prohibition of shaving the beard and the necessity of growing it. Among these scholars are: Sheikh Al-Albany in his book "Adaab Az-Zafaf", and his students, Sheikh Ali Mahfooz in his book "Al-Ibdaa'", Sayid Sabiq in his book "Fiqhus-Sunnah", Mahmoud Al-Istanbuli in his book "Tuhfatul Arous", Al-Qaradawi in his book "The Lawful and Prohibited in Islam", Sheikh Ismail Al-Ansari as well as all the scholars of the Arabian Peninsula who clearly ruled and explained the prohibition of shaving the beard in their books and lectures. And if we were to state the opinions of the different scholars in this matter, the whole issue of this magazine will not be sufficient, although we believe that the above should be sufficient for those who are sincere in looking for the truth.

Proofs for Prohibition

* Shaving the beard involves altering the creation of Allah, which is forbidden as stated in the Qur'an: "Allah cursed him. And he (Shaytaan) said: 'I will take an appointed portion of your slaves. Verily, I will mislead them, and surely I will arouse in them false desires; and certainly I will order them to slit the ears of cattle, and indeed I will order them to change the nature created by Allah.' And whoever takes Shaytaan as a Wali (protector or helper) instead of Allah, has surely suffered a manifest loss" [4: 118-119]. Sheikh Al-Albany said regarding this verse that it is "a clear statement that changing Allah's creation without His permission is obeying Shaytaan, and that there is no doubt that shaving the beard for beauty reasons comes under the rule of this verse" [Adabul-Zafaf, PP 119-120]. There are also numerous verses which command Muslims to follow the tradition of the Prophet (s.a.w) as Allah (s.w.t) says: "And whatsoever the Messenger gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)" [59: 7].

* Shaving the beard involves disobeying the order of the Prophet (s.a.w) who commanded us to grow our beards, as he (s.a.w) said "contradict the non-believers, grow the beards and cut the moustaches" [Bukhari and Muslim]. Ibn Jarir have also narrated to the story of the two messengers of Kisra (the Persian king) to the Prophet, who entered to where the Prophet (s.a.w) was, and they had shaved their beards and grown their moustaches, the Prophet (s.a.w) hated to even look at them and told them: "Woe to you! Who ordered you to do that?" They replied: "Our lord (i.e. Kisra) ordered us". The Prophet then said: "But my Lord ordered me to grow my beard and clip my moustache". Here we see that the Prophet (s.a.w) hated to even look at the unbelievers, so how would his reaction be had he seen those who claim to be his loyal followers imitating the unbelievers and shaving their beards? Also, it is important to note that the Prophet (s.a.w) attributed the order of growing the beard and clipping the moustache to Allah (s.w.t), so it becomes an order from Allah (s.w.t) to the believers, which makes it mandatory on the believers to follow, and forbidden to disobey.

* Shaving the beard is a way of imitating the disbelievers, as mentioned at the beginning of the article, and the Prophet of Allah has commanded us in numerous hadiths to contradict the people of the book (Jews and Christians) and to contradict the pagans and Magus. So since shaving the beard is a tradition practiced by non-Muslims, it makes it mandatory for the Muslims to contradict them by growing it.

* The imitation of women, and there is no doubt that shaving the beard is an imitation of women, and Imam Ibn Hajar Al-Haythamy n his book "Az-Zawajir" stated that such imitation is amongst the Major Sins in Islam.

* Contradicting the traditions of the Prophets and righteous men. Imam Al-Shanqiti said in his commentary on the verse "He (Harun) said: O son of my mother! Seize (me) not by my beard, nor by my head" [20: 94], that it is a Qur'anic proof that growing the beard is the tradition of the Prophets of Allah.

* Finally, shaving the beard is a contradiction of the Fitrah (nature) which was intended for us by Allah, since growing the beard is one of the ten natural instincts as maintained by the Prophet (s.a.w). The fact that Arabs before Islam used to grow their beards can be explained by the fact that they inherited it from the Prophet Ibrahim (a.s).

http://www.muftisays.com/blog/Seifeddine-M/2917_29-06-2012/an-imam-who-trims-or-shaves-his-beard.html

An Imam Who Trims Or Shaves His Beard

Q: Zaid leads the salaah but trims his beard to less than a fist length. What is the ruling with regards to appointing him as an Imam and performing salaah behind him? When this was brought to the attention of the Imam, he took no heed. What length should the beard be? Please explain.

A: It is waajib (compulsory) for men to have a beard. This is amongst the important hallmarks of Islam. Imaam Muhammad رحمه الله writes in his Kitaabul Aathaar that it is Sunnah to have the beard a fist's length, which means that a person may hold his beard (from beneath the chin) and then trim off whatever exceeds the fist. This is also acording to Imaam Abu Haneefah رحمه الله (Durrul Mukhtaar with Shaami, vol 5, p 359)

Durrul Mukhtaar (vol 2, p 155) also states, "To trim the beard to a length less than a fist as the western people and effeminates do, has not been permitted by an of the scholars. Shaving off the beard is a practise of the Hindus of India and non-Arab fire-worshippers."

Faydhul Baari (vol 4, p 380) states that trimming the beard to a length shorter than a fist is Haraam according to all the Imaams of jurisprudence.

Tajnees wal Mazeed and Hidaayah state that it is not permissible to shave the beard because Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم instructed that moustaches be trimmed and beards allowed to grow. (Nisaabul Ihtisaab, p 15. See also Maa Laa Budda Minhu, p 130)

The above makes it clear that it is Waajib (compulsory) to grow a beard. It is makrooh tahreemi to trim it to length shorter than a fist, and doing so will render the person a faasiq (flagrant sinner).

Fataawa Daarul Uloom (vol 3, p 128) states that trimming the beard to a length shorter than a fist is tantamount to shaving it off.

Keeping the beard contrary to the Sunnah method opposes the sanctity and importance of the post of an Imaam. One who does so is an open faasiq and it is necessary for him to repent and to grow his beard to the required length. If he does not do so, it will be makrooh for him to be the Imaam, and he should be fired from the post.

Shaami (vol 1, p 523) states that the reason for not appointing a faasiq as an Imaam is that he does not give importance to the injunctions of the Shari'ah. The post of an Imaam will accord him status and honour, whereas he really deserves to be humiliated.

An Imaam must be religious and abstain from public sins. A hadeeth reported by Hadrat 'Abdullaah Ibn 'Umar رضي الله عنهما states that the best of you should be appointed as Imaams, because they serve as ambassadors before Allaah. Another hadeeth states that Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "If you wish that your salaah reach the highest levels of acceptance, you should appoint your learned ones as your Imaams so that they could serve as messengers between you and your Rabb." (Tabaraani, as quoted in Sharhun Niqaayah, vol 1, p 86)

Kabeeri (p 479) states that people will be guilty of a sin if they appoint a faasiq as their Imaam.

It is necessary to keep a beard that is at least equal to one's fist in length. The commentator of Mishkaatul Masaabeeh, Shah 'Abdul Haqq Muhaddith Dehlawi رحمه الله writes that it is Waajib (compulsory) to keep a beard that is equal in length to one's fist. (Ashi'atul Lam'aat, vol 1, p 288)

It is Haraam to trim the beard to less than a fist length. (Maa Laa Budda Minhu, p 130)

The Imaam must be fired and if the trustees of the Masjid do not do so, you should perform your salaah at another Masjid. If there is no other Masjid, you will be forced to perform salaah behind this Imaam because it is improper to forsake salaah with jamaa'ah on acount of the emphasis the ahaadeeth place on it. Some Ulemaa state that performing salaah in jamaa'ah is waajib. It must therefore not be left out, but a concerted effort should be made to have the Imaam relieved of his post.

The following appears in Fataawa Daarul Uloom (vol 3, p 181):

Q: Zaid trims his beard to a length shorter than a fist. Is salaah behind him valid?

A: Durrul Mukhtaar states that it is Haraam to trim the beard to a length shorter than four fingers. Salaah behind such a person is therefore makrooh, even though the salaah will be valid. However, such a person should not be appointed as an Imaam."

And Allaah سبحانه و تعالى knows best what is most correct. [Fatawa Rahimiyyah, Hadrat Haafidh Maulana Qaari Mufti 'Abdur Raheem Lajpuri رحمه الله]

Permissibility of Shortening the Beard in Shariah

The Long and Short of Growing a Beard

By Moulana Muhammad ibn Moulana Haroon Abassommar
Posted: 27 Rajab 1424, 12 September 2004

FACULTY OF SPECIALTY IN HADITH SCIENCES

Q.) I have heard different opinions about beard. Can you elaborate its real status and importance in Islam? Is shaving the beard a minor or a major sin? Or was it just a cultural issue that no more needs any discussion as so many neo-intellectuals in Islam shave? Please elaborate. [Nasar]

A.) In all schools of Islamic Law, it is considered wajib (mandatory) for a Muslim male to grow a beard. It is also wajib to let the beard grow a fist length. It is prohibited to cut or shave the beard. He who does so is a fasiq (sinner) and to shorten it less than a fist length is makrooh tahrimi (near haram). This is the view of the majority of scholars. (see Wujoob I'efaaul-lihyah of Shaykhul Hadith, Ml. Muhammad Zakariyyah and the footnotes of ex-grand Mufti of Saudia - Shaykh ibn Baaz). The opinions of the fours schools are as follows.

Hanafia: Allaamah ibnul Humaam (RA) has mentioned that nobody has permitted the trimming of the beard lesser than a fist length. (Fathul Qadeer; Shaami; Fataawa Mahmoodiyyah vol.5 pgs.93, 105, 108)

Shafi'eah: Allaamah Nawawi (RA) states, 'The correct view (according to the Shafi'ee Madhab) is to leave the beard to grow and it is makrooh to trim the beard whatsoever.' (al-Majmoo vol.1 pg.290; also see Sharh Saheeh Muslim vol.2 pg.143)

Allaamah al-Iraaqi (RA) states in his book entitled, 'Tarhu Tathreeb' (vol.2 pg.8): '. that the best is to leave the beard totally and not to cut anything from it at all, and this is the view of Imam al-Shafi'ee and his students.'

There are quotations from two great scholars of the Shaafi'ee Madhab that do not permit the trimming of the beard at all, not even beyond one fist.

Malikiah: Imam Abul-Waleed al-Baji al-Maliki (RA) states: It has been narrated from Imam Malik (RA) that he permitted the slight trimming of those hair that are overgrown and are outside the general growth of the rest of the hair, and that Imam Malik (RA) was asked about a beard that had grown extremely long, he replied that it should be trimmed a bit.'

Imaam Abul-Waalid adds, 'And it has been narrated from Abdullah ibn Umar and Abu Huraira (Radhiallaahu Anhum) that they trimmed beyond one fist.' Hence, this is what was meant by Imam Malik. (refer al-Muntaqa vol.7 pg.266)

Imaam al-Qurtubi al-Maaliki (RA) has also mentioned something similar to this in his commentary of Sahih Muslim. (see al-Mufhim vol.1 pg.513)

Hanbaliah: Imaam Samiri (RA) - who is an expert Hanbali faqih (jurist) - states:

And he should not trim any bit from the beard except if he wishes to do so beyond the extent of one fist. However, it will be best if he doesn't do so.' (al-Mustaw'ib vol.1 pg.260 - see Hukm al-Lihyah fil Madhaahibil arba'ah; Abdul-Aziz al-Nu'maani pg.50)

Another Hanbali scholar, Imam Shamsuddeen al-Maqdisi (RA) states, 'It is forbidden to shave the beard and it is not makrooh to trim what is in excess of a fist's length because this is supported by the practice of Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar, Radi-Allahu anhu,.' (Kitaabul Furoo vol.1 pg.130; Ibid)

Similar verdicts are found in other sources of Hanbali Fiqh such as al-Mubdi of ibn Muflih, al-Insaaf of al-Maawardi; Kashful Qinaa, etc.(Hukm al-lihyah pg.50)

It is clear from all these quotations that it is permissible to trim the beard only beyond a fist length. No one has explicitly mentioned that it is permissible to trim the beard lesser than a fist length. In fact, according to some of these quotations, it will be better not to trim the beard at all.

Proof of Wujoob

There are various ahadith of Rasulullah in which the keeping and lengthening of the beard have been ordered. We will just mention a few that prove the above claim.

1) Imam Bukhari (Rahimahullaah) reports on the authority of Imam Nafi' [ra] who narrates from Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar, Radi-Allahu anhu, that Rasulullah said, 'Oppose the Mushrikeen (polytheists); lengthen the beards and trim the moustaches.'

Imam Nafi' (RA) further states, 'And ibn Umar, Radi-Allahu anhu, during Hajj or Umrah used to hold on to his beard with his fist and cut off whatever was in excess of that.' (Bukhari vol.2 pg.875; Kitab-ul-Libas no.5892)

Note: This hadith has also been narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Huraira [Radhiallaahu anhu] and he is also reported to have trimmed his beard beyond one fist.

The verdict of the growing of the beard being wajib (obligatory) is deduced from this hadith. That is because any explicit command of Rasulullah will be regarded as wajib, if there is no apparent, clear reason/proof which states that that particular command is for istihbab (preference). This is an established fact in usool-ul-fiqh (principles of jurisprudence). Rasulullah has commanded the Ummah to lengthen the beards. Allah Ta'ala has mentioned in the noble Qur'an, 'Those who disobey his (Rasulullah - Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) should beware of a trial or painful punishment that will afflict them.' (Surah Noor 63)

Allamah Nawawi (RA) has explained that this hadith has been reported with various wordings:

The word, 'Waffiroo' is mentioned in Sahih Bukhari (Hadith5892). In another narration of Bukhari. The words 'Ufoo' is mentioned (Sahih Bukhari Hadith5893). The word 'Arkhoo' is mentioned in Sahih Muslim (Hadith602). The word 'Awfoo' is mentioned in Sahih Bukhari (Hadith5892) and Sahih Muslim (Hadith601). All these words imply the same meaning and that is to lengthen and to increase the growth of the beard. (Fathul Bari vol.10 pg.429, 431; Sharh al-Nawawi ala Saheeh Muslim vol.2 pg.143)

Hafiz ibn Jareer al-Tabari (ra) has stated that some Ulama have totally disliked that one trim his beard at all, while others have permitted trimming beyond a fist length. (Fathul Bari vol.10 pg.430)

2) When the two messengers of Kisra (Khusru - the Persian King) came to Rasulullah , they had long moustaches and shaved beards. Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam turned his face away in disgust and asked them, 'Who commanded you to do this (despicable deed)?' They replied, 'Our Lord, (i.e. King)' At this, Rasulullah mentioned, 'But my Lord has commanded me to lengthen my beard and shorten my moustache.' (Tabaqaat ibn Sa'ad vol.1 pg.147; Taareekh Tabari vol.2 pg.267-266; Bidaaya wan Nihaaya)

3) In this narration, Rasulullah has stated that to lengthen the beard is in fact the command of Allah Ta'ala Himself.

Furthermore, the Wujoob is further emphasized by the fact that Rasulullah did practice this in his entire life. Know well that Rasulullah did not trim his beard in his life. In fact, the beard of Rasulullah was dense and almost covered his blessed chest. (Shamaail Tirmidhi Hadith8; Dalaail al-Nubuwwah of Imaam Bayhaqi vol.1 pg.235)

Actions of the Sahaba [radhiallaahu anhum] The narrator (Ibn Umar, Radi-Allahu anhu, himself trimmed his beard beyond a fist's length, this implies that the wujoob of keeping a beard is up to a fist length only (this will be explained shortly).

Furthermore, this (trimming beyond a fist length) has also been reported from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira, Radi-Allahu anhu, and other Tabi'een. (Tamheed of ibn Abdul-Barr al-Muntaqaa and Fathul Baari vol.10 pg.430). Bear in mind that Sayyiduna Abu Huraira [radhiallaahu anhu] has also narrated a hadith wherein we are commanded to lengthen the beards. (Sahih Muslim Hadith602)

Moreover, for the benefit of your knowledge, the sayings and actions of the Sahaba (Radhiallaahu Anhum) are a Hujjah (proof). This is also an established principle in usool-ul-fiqh.

A Misconception

Some individuals acknowledge that it is wajib to keep a beard, but then argue that there is no mention of any specific length in the hadith. Hence, if one has a bit of hair on his face - irrespective of the length - it would be permissible, because this is also called a beard.

They also argue that to keep a beard up to a fist's length is the act of a Sahaabi [- Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar - radhiallaahu anhu - and Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra - Radhiallaahu anhu] and it is not the command of Rasulullah . Hence, the one who chooses not to do so will not be contravening any command of Rasulullah .

This is a result of a lack of understanding of the actual wording of the hadith. First, in the hadith we have quoted, Rasulullah [sallallahu alayhi wasallam] has commanded us to lengthen the beard and not just to 'keep' a beard. The difference between the two is quite clear. If one just 'keeps' a shortened beard, he will not be fulfilling the command of Rasulullah .

Therefore, the one who intentionally keeps a trimmed beard will not be fulfilling the command of lengthening the beard. The lengthening is wajib, not just having any sort of a beard.

Second, the hadith is general and does not specify any length of the beard. The words, 'u'ful lluhaa / waffiroo-lluhaa' in the hadith command us to lengthen the beards, which will (literally) mean, 'it is wajib to let the beard grow' up to whatever length it reaches. If we did not have the narration of Nafi' that Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar, Radi-Allahu anhu, did trim his beard, then this would have been the case.

However, the narrator himself (Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar and Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra - radhiallaahu anhuma) as well as other Tabi'een (Radhiallaahu Anhum) did trim their beards beyond one fist's length, the Ulama have deduced that this means that the wujoob (obligation) of lengthening is only up to a fist's length. Neither can we say that it is not permissible to trim it at all - resulting in the accusation of the Sahaba (Radhiallaahu Anhum) of contradicting the explicit command of Rasulullah and especially the narrator, (Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar and sayyiduna Abu Huraira - Radhiallaahu Anhuma). Nor can one claim the permissibility of trimming it to leave less than a fist's length, for there is no proof for this in the Shari'ah.

Hence, if a person is to trim his beard beyond a fist's length it would be permissible and if he leaves shorter than a fist's length, he will be going against an act which is wajib and this is not permissible, and if he chooses not to trim it at all, this will also be permissible.

The practice of the Sahabi [radhiallaahu anhu] here is used for 'permissibility' of cutting up to a fist's length, because - being the narrator - this is what he understood to be the intended meaning of Rasulullah . In other words, the Sahabi [radhiallaahu anhu] had understood that the command of Rasulullah of lengthening the beard only applies up to a fist's length and not more. That is why they (the Sahaba concerned - Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar and Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra – radhiallaahu anhuma) used to trim what was in excess of one fist. It is not wajib to follow them in doing so. What is wajib in this situation is to let it grow, and the action of the Sahabi is used only to explain that wajib and restrict going against that.

Severity of the Sin

One should ponder over the narration that we have quoted concerning the two messengers of the Persian King. How Rasulullah turned his blessed face away from them in disgust. Remember these were disbelievers. Imagine if Rasulullah [sallallahu alayhi wasallam] turns his face away from a Muslim on the day of Qiyamat because he did not have a proper beard! Imagine the plight of that person, Allah forbid.

Furthermore, as for the act of clean-shaving, by doing so, one is actually imitating the appearance of women. Rasulullah has cursed those males who aspire to resemble the females and vice versa. (Sahih Bukhari)

After all, what is it that stops us from at least adopting the outer features of Rasulullah ? Why is it so difficult to make our faces resemble in some way the blessed face of our beloved Nabi ?

There is an Arabic couplet that says: 'And resemble them if you cannot be identical. Verily the resemblance of the noble ones is also a form of success.'

And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

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