Status Of The Beard

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#1 [Permalink] Posted on 15th November 2010 15:45

All the great scholars of Islam unanimously agree on this issue that to grow a beard no less than the length of a fist is Wajib (compulsory) upon all Muslim men as it is a distinctive sign of Islam, and it is haram (forbidden) for a mature stable Muslim to shave his beard.

This verdict was reached on the grounds that there are numerous ahaadith where the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam is explicitly commanding the Muslims to grow a beard. In this respect a few ahaadith from Bukhari and Muslim are quoted below.

Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه quotes the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "Cut short the moustache and lengthen the beard."
(Bukhari and Muslim)

Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه quotes the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "Shorten the moustache and lengthen the beard."
(Muslim)

Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه quotes the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "Grow (lengthen) the beard."
(Muslim)

Yahya ibn Kathir says that, once a person from Ajam (external province) who had grown a moustache and shaved off the beard entered the mosque. The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam asked him, "What motivated you to do this act?" He replied that his Lord had ordered him to do so. The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "Allah has ordered me to shorten my moustache and lengthen my beard." Besides these ahaadith, there are other ahaadith which support the necessity of growing the beard. Therefore, to shave, or trim one's beard less than the length of a fist is haram (forbidden) and anyone contradicting this ruling will be committing a major sin and regarded as a fasiq (immoral person).

The above mentioned ruling applies to all Muslims as a general rule, as for an Imaam or a Hafiz it becomes all the more important to grow a beard as he will have to lead the prayers. And the Imamat (leadership) of a person who shaves or trims his beard is makrooh-e-tahrimi (severely disliked), although the prayer behind such a person will be valid. It is stated in a hadith of Ibn Majah that (page 77), 'Let not a sinful and immoral person lead in a prayer of a true believer.'

It is also stated in Raddul Mukhtar (page 560, vol. 1), 'It is makrooh-e-tahrimi for a fasiq (immoral person) to lead the prayers. An Imaam is the best person in the community worthy of leading the people in their prayers, he should be pious and apparently free from sin and immorality.'

In a hadith of the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam it is stated, "If you wish that your prayers are accepted, than the most pious amongst should act as your Imaam, for he is a messenger between you and your Lord."

It is apparent from these ahaadith that an Imaam must grow a beard in order to lead the prayers. According to all four schools of thought (Madhabs), it is compulsory upon a Muslim man to grow a beard and refrain from shaving it, or trimming it to less than the length of a fist. Given below are fatawas (religious verdicts) issued by the four Madhabs and it's leading scholars on the issue of growing the beard.

Hanafi madhab:
To trim the beard when it is less than a fist's length, as done by some modern people and hermaphrodites is not permissible in the opinion of all the jurists. To shave the beard as done by unorthodox Jews, Hindus and others is also not permissible.
(Durre Mukhtar)

Maliki madhab:
To shave the beard is haram and to trim it in such a manner that it changes one's natural and normal facial features is also haram. It is also quoted in Kitabul Ib'daa', that without doubt the four Madhabs are agreed that the beard should be lengthened and that shaving it is haram.

Shafi madhab:
It is quoted in Al Ibaab', that Imaam ibn Ar'rifaah says that Imaam Shafe'ee, in his book, Kitabul Umm, has categorically stated that shaving the beard is haram.
Al Azraiy says that the correct position in the Shafe'ee madhab is that to shave the beard without a valid medical reason is haram. Similar verdict of prohibition has been issued by Zarakhshi, Baihaqi in his book, Shu'ab Al Iman, and by his teacher Qa'ffal Shashi in Muhasin As Shar'iyyah.

Hanbali madhab:
It is narrated in Shar'hul Muntahaa' and Shar'hul Manzoomatul Adaab, the most accepted view is that it is haram to shave the beard. Some Ulama like the author of 'Insaf', have categorically stated that it is haram. There is no report from anyone to the contrary.

Sheikhul Islam ibn Taymiyyah says, "Shaving the beard is haram."

Ibn Hazm has narrated Ijma (consensus of the Muslims) regarding the obligation of trimming the moustache and keeping the beard, he brings the following ahaadith in support of this Ijma:
"Oppose the Mushrikeen polytheists), trim the moustache and lengthen the beard."
(Muslim)

"Whosoever does not trim his moustache, he is not from amongst us."
(Ahmed Tirmidhi and Nasai)

The following are some fatawas given, issued by some prominent Muftis of the Arab world, in recent time regarding the necessity of keeping the beard.

Sheikh ibn Abdur Rahman Al Banna writes in Fathur Rabbani, "Shaving the beard is strictly haram. This is the madhab of Hanbalis and Zahiriyyah."
Sheikh Nasir Uddin Albani writes, "Due to the above references, it is wajib to lengthen the beard and to shave is haram."

Sheikh Abu Bakr Al Jazari writes, "One should leave his beard until it fills his face, because the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam has ordered, shorten your moustaches and lengthen your beards."

We can conclude from what has been said that to keep a beard is compulsory and to trim it or shave it is haram.
Keeping the beard has been the practice of the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam, as it has also been the practice of the earlier Prophets before him.
When Musa alaihis salaam returned from his journey of Mount Tur and found the Israelites engrossed in idolatry, he became furious and in severe anger he pulled the beard of his deputy (and brother) Haroon alaihis salaam who said:
"O son of my mother, seize me not by my beard nor my hair."

In the books of ahaadith, numerous hadith describe the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam as having a copious beard.
Umm Ma'bad radiyallahu anhu says that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam had a copious beard.

At an age when moral and spiritual decline is at its peak, acting upon a single prophetic tradition could insure success in the hereafter. It is narrated in a hadith,
"One who is steadfast upon my Sunnah at the decline of my Ummah, for him there is the reward of a hundred martyrs."

One Maulana has said, "Within a body there is nothing which we can imitate the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam. Our hands, feet, chest, eyes, ears, nose etc. cannot imitate the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam. There is only one thing and that is the beard, in which we can imitate the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam. He had a full, dense beard. We should try to imitate him in this matter."

Acting upon the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam brings the pleasure of Allah and in turn great rewards in the hereafter. Similarly, opposing the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam brings the displeasure of Allah. It is stated in a hadith,
The messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihe wasallam has cursed those men who imitate women and those women who imitate men.
The beard is a distinctive sign of a man and removing it is like imitating a woman and anyone who commits this crime earns himself the displeasure of the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam and to displease the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam is to displease Allah. May Allah save us all from Allah's displeasure and wrath. Ameen.

Modern scientists and doctors have realised the benefits of keeping a beard.
One doctor writes, that by continually shaving, the veins of the sight are affected, resulting in failing eyesight. Another doctor writes that a lengthy beard stops harmful germs from reaching the throat and chest. Another goes so far as to say, "If men shaved for seven generations, the men in the eighth generation will have no beards. This means that the sperm gets weaker in every generation, until in the eighth this quality is completely destroyed."

Keeping the beard is the right of every individual. Therefore, even parents cannot order their children to shave the beard. The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam said,
"There is no obedience to any creation when the creator is being disobeyed."
In such situations where children are forced to shave their beard by their parents, the children must oppose them, for there is no obedience to anyone when the rules of Shari'ah are asked to be violated.

A Muslim should strive hard to imitate the blessed Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam in all aspects of their life and refrain from imitating the non-Muslims.
There are numerous ahaadith in many books of hadith which describe the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam as having a full beard. Given below are some ahaadith regarding this:

Ali radiyallahu anhu narrates that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam was neither too tall nor too short. He had long hair and beard.

Bukhari and Abu Dawood narrate from Abu Ma'mar, who says, "We asked Khabbab radiyallahu anhu, did the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam recite the Qur'an in Zuhr and Asar prayers?" He replied, "Yes." We asked him how he knew this. He said, "From the movement of his beard."

Muslim narrates from Jabir ibn Samura radiyallahu anhu, who says, "The front part of the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam's hair and beard had become grey. When he used to apply oil, it was not apparent but when the hair was unkempt it use to become apparent. The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam had a dense beard."

At'a ibn Yasir radiyallahu anhu says, "The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam was in the mosque, when a man entered who's hair and beard were unkempt. The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam indicated towards him with his hand as though he was ordering him to adjust his hair and beard. The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, 'Is this not better than coming with unkempt hair like shaitan.'"

Aisha radiyallahu anha relates that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "Ten things are of nature in which shortening the moustache and growing a full beard are mentioned."

Amongst the fitraat (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. In these two hadith, it has been mentioned that the beard is the natural beauty of a man. To shave it is a unnatural act. Also, shaving the beard is imitating the Kuffar, which is forbidden in Islam.

Ibn Al Jawzy narrates in Al Wafa Bi Ahwal Al Mustafa from Ali ibn Abi Talib that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam had a full beard.

Tirmidhi narrates in his Shamaail from Abu Hala, who used to describe the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam. He says that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam had a copious beard.

Muslim narrates from Ibn Umar that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "Oppose the Mushrikeen (polytheists), shorten the moustache and lengthen the beard."

In another hadith, the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam warns the Muslims not to imitate the Kuffar. It is stated in the hadith:
The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "One who imitates another nation, he is from amongst them."

This is a severe warning to those Muslims who wish to imitate the non Muslims in their dress and appearance.

Anas radiyallahu anhu narrates that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam, most of the time used to oil his hair and comb his beard.

The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam used to take care of his beard and hair. In one of the hadith that has been previously mentioned, the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam told a man to comb his hair and beard. He also given the similarity of a man who has unkempt hair and beard with the devil.

To conclude, the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam has emphatically commanded the Muslims to grow a beard. He also gave a severe warning to those who oppose this command, especially those people who openly oppose it. In a hadith it is mentioned:
"All the sinners of my Ummah are forgiven except those who commit sins openly."

This is a warning to those people who openly shave their beards and have no shame in doing this act. May Allah give us all the ability to act upon the commands of the Shari'ah. Ameen.

http://www.inter-islam.org/Actions/sotb.html

Ruling On The Moustache

Mufti Muhammad Ibn Adam

The trimming and shortening of the moustache has been emphatically mentioned in many narrations of the Messenger of Allah (saw)

. (see above)

The Hadiths from the Messenger of Allah (saw)

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 four Schools (Hanbali, Maliki, Hanafi and Shafi'i) agree on the fact that it is not allowed to leave the moustache to grow long.

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 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. (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, Abdullah ibn Umar, Abu Hurayra, Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree, Anas ibn Malik, and others. (ibid.)

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal 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.

Allah knows best.

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#2 [Permalink] Posted on 20th November 2010 15:58

The Wrongs Of Shaving The Beard

Shaving the beard results in a series of Islamic violations, among which are the following:

1. Disobedience to Allah

Shaving the beard is an act of disobedience to Allah, as is expressed in the words of His Messenger (saw)

: Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه, reported that the ruler of Yemen, appointed by the Persian emperor Kisra, sent two envoys to the Messenger (saw)

. When they came into the Prophets (saw)

presence, he noticed that they had shaved their beards and let their moustaches grow big. Hating their ugly appearance, The Prophet (saw)

turned his face away and said, "Woe be to you, who told you to do so?" They replied:"Our lord (Kisra) did!" The Messenger (saw)

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. Verified to be hasan (good) by al-Albani (Fiqh us-Sirah by al-Ghazali p. 359)]

2. Disobedience to the Messenger (salallahu alayhi wa sallam)

Shaving the beard is an act of disobedience to the Messenger (saw)

who commanded the men to spare their beards in many hadiths. Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه, reported that Allah's Messenger (saw)

said: "Closely trim the moustache, and spare the beard." [Al-Bukhari, Muslim and others].

Obeying the Messenger (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) is equivalent to obeying Allah: "He who obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah; and as for those who turn away: We have not sent you as a guardian over them." [An-Nisa 4:80]

3. Deviation from the Guidance of the Messenger (salallahu alayhi wa sallam)

There is no doubt that Allah's Messenger (saw)

is the best example of a man, both in his appearance and actions.

Allah says: "There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern - for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day, and who remembers Allah often." [An-Nisa' 4:80]

And Jabir رضي الله عنه reported that Allah's Messenger (saw)

said: "Verily, the best guidance is Muhammad's guidance." [Recorded by Muslim]

Jabir Bin Samurah رضي الله عنه reported that Allah's Messenger (saw)

"had a large beard." [Recorded by Muslim].

Shaving the beard clearly exhibits a deviation from his appearance and guidance.

4. Deviation from the Way of Believers

One must strive to follow the ways of the believers and identify with them. This is an obligation expressed by Allah: "Whoever opposes the Messenger, after guidance has become clear to him, and follows other than the way of the 'Believers', We will give him what he has chosen and let him into Hell: What an evil destination!" [an-Nisa 4:115]

Note: The description 'Believers' in the ayah applies first and foremost to the Sahabah [the Prophet's (saw)

noble companions - Radiallahu Ta'ala Anhum Ajmaeen]

All of the prophets (alaihimus-salatu-as-salaam), the Sahabah (the Prophet's (saw)

companions RA), the great 'ulama', and the righteous Salaf (early Muslims) of this Ummah (Nation) grew their beards. There is no report of a single one of them selectively shaving his beard.

For example, Allah tells us that Harun (as) addressed his brother Musa (as) as follows: He said, "O son of my mother! Do not hold me by my beard or head." [Ta-Ha 20:94]

Furthermore, there are authentic reports indicating that the Rightly Guided Successors, as well as other sahabah and tabi'un had large beards.

Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه had a thick beard [Qut ul-Qulub 4:9], Umar رضي الله عنه had a big beard [Al-Isabah 2:511], Uthman رضي الله عنه had a large beard [Al-Isabah 2:455], and Ali's رضي الله عنه beard was so wide as to span the distance between his shoulders [At-Tabaqat (3:25) by Ibn Sa'd],

Therefore, shaving the beard exhibits a clear deviation from the way of the believers.

5. Imitation of the Kufaar (Disbelievers)

The Muslims have been commanded to be different and distinct from the Kufaar (disbelievers).

In Surat ul-Fatihah, we are commanded to ask Allah to guide us away from the ways of the disbelievers: "Guide us to the Straight Path - The path of those upon whom You have bestowed Your favor, not of those who have earned Your anger, nor of those who are astray." [Al-Fatihah 1:6~7]

Also, Allah prohibits His Messenger (saw)

from following the desires of the ignorant. And indeed, anyone who is not on the True Guidance is ignorant. Allah says: "Do not follow the whims of those who have no knowledge (of Islam)." [Al-Jathiyah 45:18]

The Prophet (saw)

has indicated that a person who imitates a certain people will be counted (in Islam) as being one of them. Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه reported that Allah's Messenger (saw)

said: "I have been sent, close to the Last Hour, with the sword (to fight for the truth) - until Allah is worshipped alone without partners. My sustenance has been allotted under the shade of my spear. Humility and defeat have been allocated to whoever strays from my command. And whoever imitates a people is one of them." [Recorded by Abu Dawud and others. Verifies to be authentic by al-Albani (Irwa ulghalil no. 1269)]

How terrible it would be for a person whom Allah has favored with Islam to find himself resurrected on the Day of Judgment among non-Muslims - simply because he liked to imitate them.

In several hadiths, Allah's Messenger (saw)

has linked sparing the beard to being different from the followers of other religions.

Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet (saw)

said: "Cut the moustaches and grow your beards. Be different from the 'Magians'." [Recorded by Muslim and Others] Note: 'Magians' - Followers of an ancient Persian religion.

Abu Umamah رضي الله عنه reported that Allah's Messenger (saw)

said: "Cut your moustaches and leave your beards alone. Be different from the people of the scripture." [Recorded by Muslim]

Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه reported that Allah's Messenger (saw)

said: "Be different from the 'mushrikin'; trim your moustaches and save your beards." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Note: 'mushrikeen' - Those who join others with Allah in worship. Therefore, shaving the beard is an act of imitation of the disbelievers, and should be extremely abhorred. It conflicts with many fundamentals of Islam, and yet many Muslim men do it in compliance with the practices of the disbelievers! Verily, Allah's Messenger (saw)

foretold the truth, as was reported by Abu Said al-Khudri رضي الله عنه, when he (saw)

, said: "You will follow the example of those who preceded you, hand-span for hand-span, and arm-length for arm-length. Even if they entered into a lizard's hole, you would surely enter it!" He (saw)

was asked, "Do you mean the Jews and Christians?" He (saw)

replied, "Who else are the (previous) people?" [Recorded by al-Bukhari, Muslim and others].

6. Changing Allah's Creation Without Permission

Except for cases that are expressly indicated in Islam, it is prohibited to change the way that Allah has created things. Changing Allah's creation without permission involves obeying Satan who, as Allah tells us, had said: "They actually call upon none but rebellious Satan, whom Allah has cursed. And he had said (to Allah), "I will surely take from among Your servants a specific portion. I will mislead them, give them false promises, command them so they will slit the ears of cattle, and command them so they will change the creation of Allah." Certainly, whoever takes Satan as an ally instead of Allah is in tremendous loss." [an-Nisa 4:117~119]

Allah has honored the human beings and fashioned them in the best form: "Verily, We have created the human being in the best of stature." [At-Tin 95:4]

Changing this without permission is indeed an act of great atrocity and deviation that deserves punishment. The Messenger (saw)

declared that the women who change what Allah has created (such as removing their facial hair, wearing wigs, filing their teeth, or tattooing their bodies) seeking by that to improve their appearance, are accursed by Allah.

Ibn Mas'ud رضي الله عنه reported that Allah's Messenger (saw)

said: "Allah curses those (women) who tattoo (for others) and those who get tattoos, those who pluck the facial hair (for others) and those who have their facial hair plucked, those who connect their hair with other (fake) hair, and those who file their teeth for beauty - they all change Allah's creation." [al-Bukhari and Muslim]

This hadith mentions women in particular because they normally seek to beautify themselves more than men. But the warning applies to both genders, because the condition for the curse is declared: changing Allah's creation. Thus the curse applies to anyone who satisfies such condition. Shaving the beard falls under this warning, as it is much worse than 'nams' (removal of facial hair) practiced by some women.

At-Tahanawi said: "It is established that changing Allah's creation is a cause for the curse, and that whatever Allah's Messenger prohibits is prohibited by Allah." [Bayan ul- Quran]

Waliyy Ullah ad-Dahlawi said: "Cutting it is the way of the Magians, and involves changing Allah's creation." [Bayan ul-Quran]

7. Imitation of Women

The beard presents a major distinction between men and women. Shaving it removes this distinction, and is thus a means of imitating women. Any act that involves imitation of the opposite gender makes a person liable for the curse of Allah and His Messenger (saw)

.

Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه reported: "Allah's Messenger has cursed the men who imitate the women; and the women who imitate the men." [Recorded by al-Bukhari and others].

Al-Kandahlawi said: "No one can have doubt that complete imitation of women arises from shaving the beard. This imitation is stronger than that of imitating their clothing and other matters, because the beard is the foremost and greatest distinction between men and women. This is possible to observe by all people, and is not denied except by one who wants to deceive himself, follow his whims, and be effeminate after Allah has favored him with the good appearance of a man." [Wujub i'fa il-Lihyah 31-32]

8. Contradicting the Pure Fitrah

The Messenger (saw)

indicated that a child is born with a pure nature, which may subsequently be blurred by self-indulgence or unfavorable environmental influence.

Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه and al-Aswad Bin Sari رضي الله عنه reported that Allah's Messenger (saw)

said: "Every child is born with the pure fitrah (nature) - until he becomes able to express himself. It is his parents who then turn him into a Jew, a Christian, a Magian, or a pagan." [al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Furthermore, Allah's Messenger (saw)

mentioned ten qualities as indicative of a good, clean nature. Two of these qualities are to trim the moustaches and to grow the beard.

A'ishah رضي الله عنه reported that Allah's Messenger (saw)

said: "There are ten qualities of fitrah: trimming the mustaches, sparing the beard, siwak (brushing the teeth), inhaling water (to clean the nose) [and rinsing the mouth], cutting the nails, washing the finger knuckles, plucking the armpit hair, shaving the pubic hair, washing the private parts with water, [and circumcision]." [Muslim, Abu Dawud, Ahmad, Ibn Abi Shaybah, and others. The part between square brackets is not in Muslim (Sahah ul-Jami `no. 2222)]

This fitrah never changes with time: Allah says: "The pure nature according to which Allah has created the people. There is no change in Allah's creation." [ar-Rum 30:30]

In the footsteps of the disbelievers, many Muslims fitrah is now very deformed. They find a clean-shaven man more handsome and masculine than one with a beard - exactly the opposite to what the Messenger (saw)

declared in in the above hadith!

9. Ridiculing the Deen

With the deformed fitrah that many contemporary Muslims have, they approve of the ways of the disbelievers and disapprove of the guidance of Allah's Messenger (saw)

! They adorn themselves with closely shaved beards, and are ashamed of attending important functions or meetings with even a slight beard. They admire the shiny look of a clean shaved man, and congratulate one who just had a nice shave! They command their relatives, children, and subordinates to shave their beards, declaring that the beard is a sign of being messy, backward, and lazy! They ridicule the beard and anyone who grows it! By doing this, they redicule an established part of the religion of Islam, which is a major sin. If they do not know that, they are most ignorant about their din, and if they do it knowingly, they could fall into a definite act of kufr (disbelief) - in Allah we seek refuge.

[The Beard Between the Salaf & Khalaf]

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#3 [Permalink] Posted on 24th November 2010 08:06

Stop Cutting - Lengthen Your Beard!

The society we live in today has had a great impact not only on Muslims but on many other religious people too. This is to such an extent that people are often ready to criticise an injunction of their faith merely because it does not comply with ways, fads or modes of today's society.

Is this what we call faith?

All religious scholars are unanimous that that all of the Prophets (alaihimus salam) kept beards. Furthermore, the Prophets (alaihimus salam) have classified the beard as something (that is) part of nature (Fitrah). 'Allamah Suyuti explains human nature is based on keeping a beard and does not need a special order to be part of a particular faith. Thus, the beard is part of human nature to which all humans (men) have to adhere.

The Prophet of Allah (salallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) mentions in a Hadeeth 10 points of nature. Out of these ten, he mentions the lengthening of the beard. Allah the Almighty narrates the incident when Sayyiduna Harun (Alaihis salam) calls out to his brother Sayyiduna Musa (alahis salam), "O son of my mother! Do not seize (me) by my beard, and nor by my head."

This verse clearly shows that Prophet Harun (alaihis salam) had a lengthy beard.

The first nation ever to shave their beards was the nation to whom Allah the Almighty sent Sayyiduna Lut (alaihis salam), the people of Sadoom ( Sodom). Hadhrat Hasan Basri (rahmatullahi alaih) reports a Hadeeth that the nation of Lut was punished for 10 sins they committed; the Prophet (salallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) mentioned 'trimming the beard' from the 10 sins. These sins then resulted in severe punishments from Allah the Almighty as mentioned in the Holy Quran in numerous chapters. Gradually other nations also started to trim and shave their beards but were less in number. However in the 17th century, the King of Russia, Patrice propagated 'shaving of the beard' in Europe and was successful in his mission. In the 20th century, the Ottoman Empire collapsed and modern influences swamped nations. By the mid 20th century, these influences had penetrated the Muslim world, which has gradually resulted on corrupting Muslims. Today, this is the reason why we see that most Muslims unfortunately either trim their beard or shave it off.

We have to remember that cultures change day in day out, cultures are man made; hung on man's ideologies, perceptions and ideas. On the other hand, the Shariah, the Islamic holy divine law is from Allah the creator of all, who is the best of all planners. The Shariah is such that it is compatible to every era till the day of judgement.

In the Shariah (Islamic law), it is Haram (unlawful) for men to shave the beard, this ruling is with the Ijma (consensus) of the scholars of all the Schools of Thought. Among the scholars who have attested to this consensus, include Allamah Mahmood Khattab 6, Allamah Anwar Shah Kashmiri Hanafi, Allamah Muhammad Ashraf Ali Thanwi, Allamah Hasfaki, Allamah Kamal Ibn Al-Humam Hanafi, Sheikh Ahmad Nafrawi Maliki, Allamah Abu Muhammad Ibn Hazm Zahiri, Allaamah Shaykh ul islaam Ibn Tayimyyah, and many other scholars.

Various present day scholars have misunderstood from what some Shafiee scholars have stated that to shave the beard is Makrooh (disliked). This has been mentioned by Imam Nawawi, Rafi'ee. Allamah Abbadi states, Allamah Ibn Rif'aah refutes this, as Imam Shafiee has mentioned in his famous work Kitab Al-umm, which is thought to be one of his final works: "to shave the beard is Haram."

This has also been mentioned by Allamah Haleemi, Allamah Qaffal Shashi, Allamah Azrai and many other Shafiee scholars.

There are many Ahadeeth, which clearly state the above. Primarily the famous Hadeeth narrated on the authority of 'Abdullah Ibn 'Umar and others that the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him ordered us to lengthen our beards. This Hadeeth has been narrated with six different words, all of which refer to lengthening the beard and leaving it alone without interfering. This is why in the Shariah (Islamic law) if one was to shave the beard or trim it to less than a fist length then he will be sinful. Allamah Anwar Shah Kashmiri writes,"None of the scholars have permitted trimming the beard to less than a fist length." Various other scholars such as Allamah Hasfaki, Allamah Ashraf Ali Thanwi and Mufti Rasheed Ahmad have mentioned similar to this.

The Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him's beard was dense, and would cover his chest. The Sahaba May Allah be pleased with themrealised, by the movement of he May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him's beard, that the prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon himwould recite from the Holy Quran in Zuhr and Asr; clearly indicating that the beard was lengthy. In the same manner Hadhrat Abu bakr May Allah be pleased with himand Umar May Allah be pleased with himpossessed a dense beard. Hadhrat Uthman May Allah be pleased with himpossessed a fine beard stretched out in length where as Hadhrat Ali'May Allah be pleased with hims beard was spread in width covering the area between his shoulders. Therefore, when the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon himordered us to legthen our beards we have to follow his and his Sahaba's Sunnah and their method of keeping a beard. The Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon himsays, "Hold fast unto my ways and the ways of the guided caliphs after me."

Hadhrat Molana Hussein Ahmad Madni writes, "It is clearly narrated from Hadhrat Umar May, Ammar Ibn Yasir, Abdullah Ibn Umar, and Jabir (radiallahu anhum) that their beards were more than a fist length, and they would order the Muslims to do the same." Hadhrat Sheikh Moulana Muhammad Zakaria writes, "It has not been narrated from any of the Sahabah that they trimmed their beards to less than a fist". When Abdullah Ibn Umar May Allah be pleased with himwould perform Hajj or Umrah, he would hold on to his beard with his fist and trim the remaining. In reality, we have explicitly been ordered to increase and lengthen our beards without any interference whatsoever, but as Abdullah Ibn Umar May Allah be pleased with himand other Sahaba would often trim their beards up to a fist length, the scholars have given permission to do this.

In the eighth year of Hijri, the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon himsent a letter with Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Huthafah to Feroz, the king of Persia. Feroz tore the letter apart and ordered Bazan, the king of Yemen to send two officers to the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon himto kidnap him. They arrived in Madinah Munawwarah, on seeing the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, started to shiver. However the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon himasked them, "Who ordered you to leave your moustache and shave your beard?" They replied, "Our Lord" (referring to their King). The Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him declared, "But my Lord orders me to trim the moustache and lengthen the beard". Those who shave their beards should decide for themselves whether their Lord is Allah or someone else! Just imagine how much pain the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon himmust be going through due to all of those people who shave, as these two men were fire worshippers, but never the less, the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon himcould not bear to look at their faces.

Some people have a misconception that lengthening the beard is unattractive. This view is seriously flawed as the Prophets especially Sayyiduna Muhammad May Allah's peace and blessings be upon himpossessed great beauty as Allah the almighty chooses those who are perfect in character and creation. It is reported in a narration, "Allah the Almighty sent each and every Prophet with a beautiful face and a melodious voice." Many Sahaba relate that the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon himpossessed the most beautiful face.

Allah the most wise has distinguished between men and women just as he has distinguished between the male and female animals; and the distinguishing feature in itself holds great beauty. Allah the almighty mentions some of his bounties he has bestowed upon Mankind, he says "He (Allah) fashioned you and perfected your shapes." Some scholars narrate a weak narration "Glory to the one who beautified the men with beards and the women with plaits". Allamah IbnAl-Qayyim explains, "The beard has many benefits, such as beauty and dignity."

In many Ahadeeth, the prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him has cursed men who imitate women and those women who imitate men. There is no doubt that shaving the beard is a clear imitation of a woman's face.

Many scholars have stated that shaving the beard is Tagyeeru Khalqillah (changing the creation of Allah). Allah mentions in the Holy Quran the promise of Satan, "and I will command them (mankind) so they will change the creation of Allah ."" (4:119). In effect, the one who shaves his beard is obeying Satan. The great Caliph Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz would say, "Shaving the beard is Muthlah (mutilation). Verily the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon himhas prohibited Muthlah". A similar verdict has also been narrated from the great Imam of Madina Munawwarah, Imam Malik.

The sin of shaving the beard is not only a Kabirah (Major) sin, but it is also Bagawah (open offence). The prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon himsays, "My nation will be forgiven except those who sin in the night and then boast about their sin the following day." Although one may not boast about this sin verbally but indirectly, he will boast by showing his face to the people. Some sins are limited to the time of the act or omission, for example, Zina (adultery & fornication) is a grave sin; the sinner is sinning for the duration of that act. Whereas this sin's time remains for as long as the beard remains shaven or trimmed to less than a fist's length. The person will be regarded a sinner for every second his face is devoid of a proper beard, therefore sinning for that entire time span. This means it's severity aggregates and persists more than other sins.

In the aftermath of the Tsunami disaster, many Muslims attained the status of Shahadah (Martyrdom). Due to the excess amount of bodies it was difficult to identify each individual. Regarding Salat Ul-Janazah the problem arose that how will we be able to differentiate between a Muslim and non-Muslim? Finally, it was decided that the prayer would be lead upon those deceased who possessed beards. People in the world have hopes that people will benefit them after their death, by performing Salat Al-Janazah and carrying out other deeds. However, in a situation like this, would this be possible?

Similarly in the grave when the deceased is asked, one of the questions is, "What would you say about this person? (Referring to the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) Some scholars are to the opinion that the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon himwill be present in front of the deceased! How do you think the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon himwill react when he sees a person who has shaved his beard?

Furthermore, on the day of judgement when the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon himwill intercede for the Ummah and quench the thirst of the Ummah at the Hawdh of Kauthar, the angels will stop some of the people. The Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him will say that these people are from my Ummah (nation); thus let them proceed. The angels will reply, "You do not know what innovations they invented after you". The Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him will reply "Destruction for those who innovated after me". A point to ponder upon is that the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon himwill not recognise these innovators because they will possess beards and their outer Islamic appearance, so what about those who do not possess beards. The Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon himwill not need to be informed that these were innovators, as he mentions in another Hadeeth that the deceased will be resurrected in the condition he died in. The Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon himwill not even look at these people just as this would hurt the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him. The Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon himsays, "Whoever so hurts me, displeases Allah. And who ever displeases Allah, is likely to be punished."

People claim to love the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon himbut still do not keep a beard. What kind of love is this? There was once a poet in the city of Delhi , Mirza Qateel, famous for praising the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him. A person decided to visit this poet assuming that he was a great pious scholar. On arriving in Delhi, he was informed that this poet has gone to the barbers. He proceeds towards the barbers and what does he see? The poet is having his beard shaved. He cries out "'O' the one who claims to love the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, you are shaving your beard!" The poet replies "yes, but I am not hurting anyone's feelings", they continued their debate. Finally, the person exclaimed, "you claim that you are not hurting anyone's feelings, I warn you that you are hurting the feelings of the one who is the leader in this world and the hereafter, the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him". On hearing this remark, the poet fainted, when he regained consciousness he accepted and admitted his mistake, repented to Allah, The most forgiving and thanked the person for guiding him.

In reality when a person loves someone, he will fulfil every command of his. We cannot see the love a person possesses in his heart for someone except by his actions. We have been guided to judge people according to their apparent and visible actions. The Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him has repeatedly said, "I have not been ordered to cut open the hearts of people." (to see their intention) When a disbeliever recites the Shahadah, he will be classified as a Muslim, despite of what his beliefs are in reality. Thus if a person shaves his beard it cannot be judged that he loves the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him. Nowadays we see the love people possess for celebrities and football players, which is evident; people are ready to dress the way they dress, live the way they live; emulating them in every way possible, so why is it that people are not ready to accept the Sunnah of the Prophet May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him?

Unfortunately, many Muslims nowadays mock and joke about the beard. If someone has a beard, he is labelled a 'beast'. To make a mockery of any minor order of the Shariah is KUFR without any doubt; the same applies to undermining a sin. The great Muhaddith Allamah Ahmad Ibn Muhammad Ibn Siddiq Al-Gimari says, "To mock the beard is KUFR with the consensus of all the Muslims". The consequences of this would be that the Nikah (Marriage) would invalidate and renewing the Imaan (faith) will be necessary.

http://www.inter-islam.org/Prohibitions/beard.html

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#4 [Permalink] Posted on 27th November 2010 10:14

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

O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad - salallahu alayhi wa sallam), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority." [4:59]

"O you who believe! Obey Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad - salallahu alayhi wa sallam), and turn not away from him when you hear (him speak)." [8:20]

"O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he (salallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) calls you to that which will give you life, and know that Allah comes in between a person and his heart. And verily to Him you shall (all) be gathered." [8:24]

"Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad - salallahu alayhi wa sallam) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much." [33:21]

"What Allah gave as booty to His Messenger (Muhammad - salallahu alayhi wa sallam) from the people of the townships, - it is for Allah, His Messenger, the kindred, the orphans, Al-Masakin (the poor), and the wayfarer, in order that it may not become a fortune used by the rich among you. And whatsoever the Messenger gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it) , and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Severe in punishment." [59:7]

Importance of the Beard in the Words of Rasulullah (salallahu 'alayhi wa sallam)

Rasulullah (SallAllâhu 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]

The teachings of Hadhrat Ammar Bin Yaasir, Abdullah Ibn Umar, Sayyidina Umar, Abu Hurairah and Jaabir (radiallahu anhum), indicate that ALL used to keep beards that were one fist length or more. Hadhrat Jaabir (radiallahu anh) 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)."

Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (radiallahu anhuma) 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 Qiyâmat (Judgement)."

Rasulullah (SallAllâhu Alayhi Wasallam) says: "Trim closely the moustache, and let the beard flow (Grow)." [Narrated Ibn Umar (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 498]

"Rasulullah (SallAllâhu Alayhi Wasallam) ordered us to trim the moustache closely and spare the beard" says Ibn Umar (radiallahu anhuma) - [Muslim, Hadith no. 449]

Rasulullah (SallAllâhu 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]

Rasulullah (SallAllâhu Alayhi Wasallam) said "Trim closely the moustache and grow the beard." [Reported by Abu Hurairah (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 501]

Rasulullah (SallAllâhu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "Anyone who shaves has no claim to the mercy of Allâh" [Reported by Ibn Abbas (R.A.)]

Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (radiallahu anhuma) used to cut that portion (which exceeds the grip of the hand) of the beard. [Tirmidhi]

The Beard according to the Great Imâms of Jurisprudence (Fiqh)

Hanafi
Imam Muhammed al-Shaybani (rahmatullahi alaih) writes in his book "Kitabul Aathaar" where he relates from Imam Abu Hanifa (rahmatullahi alaih) who relates from Hadhrat Haytham (radiallahu anh) who relates from Ibn Umar (radiallahu anhuma) that he (Ibn Umar) used to hold his beard in his hand and cut off which was longer. Imam Muhammed (rahmatullahi alaih) says that this is what we follow and this was the decision of Imam Abu Hanifa (rahmatullahi alaih). Therefore, according to Hanafis, to shorten the beard less than a FIST LENGTH is HARAAM and on this is IJMA' (concensus of opinion).

Shafi'i
Imam Shafi' (rahmatullahi alaih) in his Kitabul Umm states, "To shave the beard is HARAAM." (Shari Minhaj dar Shara Fasl Aqeeqa).

Maliki
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 "al-Muwatta" (Sunnan Imam Malik (rahmatullahi alaih)) 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).

b]Hanbali
The Hanbalis 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 Âdâb", 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 haraam (unlawful) and one who shaves his beard is, legally speaking, FASIQ (sinner); 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 (rahmatullahi alaih) says: "Know that the key to total bliss (Saadah) lies in following the Sunnah and in emulating the life of Rasulullah (SallAllâhu 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'ân, Allâh told Rasulullah (SallAllâhu Alayhi Wasallam) to say:
"Say: "If ye do love Allâh, Follow me: Allâh will love you and forgive you your sins: For Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." [3:31]

Lastly, Allâh Ta'ala says in the Holy Qur'ân:
"And when the true believers are called to Allâh and His Rasul (SallAllâhu Alayhi Wasallam) [to accept and practice the law and commands of Allâh and His Rasul (SallAllâhu 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

The Blessed Beard... Grow it, what's so hard to understand?

Muslims are overcome with western influence in their lives and it's easy to forget, nay, neglect the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (salallahu alayhi wa sallam). Little do these Muslims realize the magnitude of their actions in imitating Kufaar (see Hadith section). 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 (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) 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! 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 are handsome without it (a beard), but who cares? What matters is how Allâh (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." Peace.

http://www.islam.tc/beard/beard.html

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#5 [Permalink] Posted on 30th May 2011 00:58

The Ruling Of The Beard - By Mawlana Yoosuf Ludhianvi رضي الله عنه

Question:

1. What is the Shar`i status of a beard - Is it Waajib or Sunnat? Is the shaving of a beard Makrooh or Haraam? Many people understand the keeping of a beard to be a Sunnat, which if kept is meritorious and if not kept then there is no sin. How correct are these views?

2. Is there a specified length in the Shariah for a beard? If there is then what is it?

3. It is the habit of some Huffaaz that just before Ramadhaan they start keeping a beard and after Ramadhaan they shave it off. Will it be permissible to have such Huffaaz as Imaams for Taraaweeh or not? Will the Salaat read behind them be correct or not?

4. Some people view the beard with disdain and have a dislike for it. They prevent their children from keeping beards, and rebuke and chastise them. Some people make the condition of removing the beard prior to marriage. What is the ruling of such people?

5. Some people keep a beard for the duration of a Hajj trip and remove it after returning home. There are others who even shave their beards whilst on Hajj. Is the Hajj of such people accepted?

6. Some people do not keep a beard for fear that if they sin or do any wrong action, then they will bring disrepute and degradation to the bearded ones and that it will be an insult to the sanctity of the beard.

What is the ruling regarding such people?

Answer:

Answer to question #1:

To shave the beard or to trim it (less than a fist-length) is Haraam and a major sin. In this regard I will firstly cite a few Ahaadith and thereafter discuss some points:

(i). "It is reported from Hadhrat Aishah (radhiAllaahu anha) that Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) said: „Ten things are from the Fitrat (natural constitution of man); clipping the moustache, lengthening the beard,....‟" [Muslim, page 129, vol. 1]

(ii). "It is reported from Ibn Umar (radhiAllaahu anhuma) that Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) said: „Clip the moustache and lengthen the beard.‟ In another narration he ordered with the clipping of the moustache and lengthening the beard."

(iii). "Ibn Umar (radhiAllaahu anhuma) reports that Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) said: „Oppose the Mushrikeen, fill (lengthen) your beards and clip your moustaches.‟" [Agreed upon, Mishkaat, page 380]

(iv). "It is reported from Abu Hurairah (radhiAllaahu anhu) that Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) said: „Trim your moustaches and lengthen your beards. Oppose the fire-worshipers.‟" [Saheeh Muslim, page 129]

(v). "It is reported from Zaid Bin Arqam (radhiAllaahu anhu) that indeed Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) said: „He who does not trim/clip his moustache is not from us.‟" [Ahmad / Tirmidhi / Nisai / Mishkaat page 381]

(vi). "Ibn Abbaas (radhiAllaahu anhu) reports that Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) said: „Allaah Ta`ala has cursed those men who emulate women and those women who emulate men.‟" [Bukhari, Mishkaat, page 380]

(1) From the first Hadith we ascertain that it is from the natural constitution and necessity of man that they trim their moustaches and lengthen their beards and it is contrary to the natural habits of man that they lengthen their moustaches and trim/shave their beards. Those who do this are spoiling the natural traits created by Allaah Ta`ala. It is stated in the Qur`aan Majeed that shaitaan, the accursed, told Allaah Ta`ala that he will lead man astray and that he will instruct and encourage them to change their natural Allaah-given traits and features. It is stated in Tafseer-e-Haqqaani and Tafseer Bayaanul Qur`aan that the shaving of the beard is also included in changing the natural Allaah-given features of man, because Allaah Ta`ala had naturally beautified the face of man with a beard. Therefore, those who shave/trim their beards fall under the scope of shaitaan‟s ploy and they are guilty of altering their natural Allaah-given traits.

The way of the Ambiyaa (alaihimus salaam) is an icon for the nature of mankind. It is for this reason that the way, Sunnat and methods of the Ambiyaa can also be taken as being the example of the Fitrat of man. In view of this, we note that it is the unanimous Sunnat of approximately 124 000 Ambiyaa to clip the moustache and lengthen the beard. This is the blessed group whom we have been instructed by Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) to follow. Therefore, those people who shave/trim their beards are acting contrary to the Sunnat of the Ambiyaa. It is as though this Hadith is warning us of being guilty of a combination of three sins by shaving/trimming the beard; (1) contravening the Fitrat of man, (2) submitting to shaitaan by altering the Allaah-given features and (3) opposing the Sunnat of the Ambiyaa (alaihimus salaam). Hence, due to these three reasons, it is Haraam to shave the beard.

(2) The second Hadith instructs us to trim the moustaches and to lengthen the beards. It is Waajib to obey the instructions of Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) and Haraam to act contrary to it. Hence, this is the reason why it is Waajib to keep a beard and Haraam to shave/trim it.

(3) In the third and fourth Hadith it is mentioned that to trim the moustache and lengthen the beard is amongst the hallmarks of Muslims. On the contrary, it is the sign and hallmark of the fire-worshippers and Mushrikeen to lengthen the moustache and to trim/shave the beard. Our Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) has encouraged all Muslims to adopt the hallmarks of Islaam and shun those of the non-Muslims. It is Haraam to abandon a sign of Islaam and adopt one of an astray nation. Rasulullaah (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Whosoever imitates a nation is one of them." [Jaamius Sagheer, page 8, vol. 2]

Hence those people who shave / trim their beards, thereby abandoning a sign of Islaam and adopting one of the kuffaar, whose opposition Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) has stressed upon, ought to fear the warning of Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) that on the day of Qiyaamah, their resurrection will be amongst the non- Muslims. Nauthubillaah.

(4) The fifth Hadith states that those people who do not trim their moustaches are not from amongst us. It i s clear that this same warning applies to those who shave their beards. This is a very severe and stern warning for these people who shave their beards simply due to their desires, fancies and shaitaani deceptions. Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) has expelled such persons from his group. Can anyone who has even the slightest attachment to Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) be able to bear this warning?

Our Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) has such a dislike and abhorrence for the shaving of the beard that when the messenger from the Shah of Iran presented himself in the presence of Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) he (the messenger) was clean-shaven and his moustache was long:

"Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) detested looking at his face. He (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) said: „Woe unto you, who has commanded you with this?‟ They replied: „Our rabb, that is, Kisrah, has ordered us with this.‟ Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) said: „But, my Rabb has ordered me with lengthening the beard and trimming the moustache.‟" [Al-Bidaaya Wan Nihaaya, page 269, vol. 4 / Hayaatus Sahaabah, page 115, vol. 1]

Hence those people who act contrary to the instruction of the Rabb of Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) are in actual fact obeying the command of the deity of the fire-worshippers. They should consider how they are going to show their faces to Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) on the Day of Qiyaamah. If Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) expels them from his group on account of their altering their Allaah-given features, then upon whom will they depend on for intercession?

(5) We also ascertain from the fifth Hadith that it is Haraam and a major sin to shave/trim the beard and to lengthen the moustache, because Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) would warn against any major sin in this way that the perpetrator thereof will be expelled from his group.

(6) In the sixth Hadith Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) has cursed those men who imitate women and those women who emulate men. In commentary of this Hadith, Mullah Ali Qaari (rahmatullahi alaih), author of Mirqaat, states that the words "La`anallaahu"(Allaah has cursed) is a phrase which is used as a Bid-dua (curse), that is, may the curse of Allaah Ta`ala be on such people or it also implies an informative sentence, that is, Allaah Ta`ala has placed His Curse on such people.

Besides the above-mentioned evils of shaving the beard, one of the evils is that of imitation of females. Allaah Ta`ala has made the beard a means of differentiation and distinction between the genders. Hence, those who shave their beards are removing this distinction and resemble women. This is an act liable for the curse of Allaah Ta`ala and Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam).

Considering all these texts, there is a consensus amongst ALL the Fuqahaa of the Ummat that it is Waajib to lengthen the beard and this is also a hallmark of Islaam. To shave it and trim it (to less than the minimum fist - length) is Haraam and a major sin, whereupon Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) has issued severe warnings. May Allaah Ta`ala grant all Muslims the guidance to save themselves from Haraam actions.

Answer to question # 2:

The Ahaadith stipulate that the beards be lengthened. A narration, whose Sanad (chain of narrators) is weak, which appears in Tirmidhi Shareef under the section Kitaabul Adab [page 100, vol. 2], states that the excess hair in the length and breadth of the blessed beard of Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) would be trimmed. An explanation to this appears in a narration in Bukhari Shareef under the section Kitaabul Libaas [page 875, vol.2] wherein it is reported that when Hadhrat Ibn Umar (radhiAllaahu anhuma) completed his Hajj and Umrah and upon removing his Ihraam he would take his beard into his fist and trim off the extra hair. A similar narration on this subject is also reported regarding Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (radhiAllaahu anhu) [Nisbur Raaya, page 458, vol. 2].

It is clear from this that the minimum length for a beard must be fist-length [Hidaaya - Kitaabus Saum]. So, just as it is Haraam to shave the beard, it is similarly Haraam to trim it to less than a fist -length. It is stated in Durrul Mukhtaar:
"However, none has consented to trimming it (beard) less than that (fist-length), as some westerners and hermaphrodites do. To shave the beard off completely is the practice of the Jews of India and the fireworshippers."
[Shaami, page 418, vol.2]

This same subject is mentioned in Fathul Qadeer, page 77, vol. 2 and Bahrur Raa`iq, page 302, vol. 2. Sheikh Abdul Haqq Muhaddith Dehlwi (rahmatullahi alaih) states in Ash`atul Lam`aat: "It is Haraam to shave the beard. It is Waajib to let it lengthen to more than a fist-length (hence to cut it less than this is also Haraam)." [Page 228, vol. 1]

It is mentioned in Imdaadul Fataawa: "It is Waajib to keep a beard and it is Haraam to trim to less than a fist-full. Owing to the Hadith of Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam): „Oppose the Mushrikeen, lengthen the beards and trim the moustache‟ [agreed upon]. It is stated in Durrul Mukhtaar that it is Haraam for men to trim/shave their beards. The Sunnat length is fist-length." [Page 223, vol. 4]

Answer to question # 3:

Those Huffaaz who shave or trim their beards are guilty of a major sin and are termed as Fussaaq. Their Imaamat for the Taraaweeh Salaat is not permissible and in following them the Salaat becomes Makrooh-e- Tahrimi (i.e. Haraam in practice). As for those Huffaaz who keep a beard only for Ramadhaan and shave it thereafter, the same ruling applies to them. Those who make such persons Imaam for Fardh and Taraaweeh Salaats are also classified as Fussaaq and sinners.

Answer to question # 4:

Prior to understanding the answer to this question it is appropriate that one keeps in mind the basic principle that to jest at or censure any sign of Islaam or to belittle any Sunnat of Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) is kufr, whereby a person leaves the fold of Islaam. We have established above that Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) has classified the beard as a sign of Islaam and a unanimous Sunnat of ALL the Ambiyaa (alaihimus salaam). So those folk who have a dislike for the beard and look upon it with disdain, or they prevent any of their friends from keeping one, or they rebuke and censure them if they keep a beard, or those who do not accept as a husband if they have a beard, then all such people should start pondering and question their Imaan.

It is necessary for such people to repent and renew their Imaan and Nikah. Hakeemul Ummat Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi (rahmatullahi alaih) writes in Islaahur Rusoom on page 10: "In short those customs where the beard is shaved off or trimmed to less than a fist-length, or the moustache is lengthened, which is common nowadays amongst the youth who regard it as appealing. It is stated in a Hadith which appears in Bukhari and Muslim that the beards should be lengthened and moustaches trimmed. In this Hadith Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) used the scale of Amr (command) for both these things. This is for compulsion. Hence, it is established that these two things are Waajib and to omit a Waajib act is Haraam.

Hence, the shaving of the beard and the lengthening of the moustache are both Haraam acts. Over and above this it is mentioned in another narration that whosoever does not clip his moustache is not amongst us [Ahmad, Tirmidhi and Nisai]. Since it is established that these acts are a sin, then those who continue on these acts and are pleased with it, and those who regard lengthening the beard as a defect, in fact, they even mock at those who have beards and they rebuke them. For all such acts, it is difficult to say that one‟s Imaan remains intact. It is Waajib for all such persons to repent and renew their Imaan and Nikah. They should also mend their ways and make their features to conform with the desires of the Order of Allaah Ta`ala and Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam)."

Answer to question # 5:

As for those people who shave their beards during the course of Hajj or after returning from Hajj, their condition is more pitiful than normal people, since they cannot even refrain from a major sin at the House of Allaah Ta`ala. in the Court of Allaah Ta`ala only those Hajj are accepted which are free from sin. Some Ulama have written that a sure sign of acceptance of Hajj is that a person who returns from Hajj undergoes such a change in his life that he now becomes more wary of Allaah Ta`ala and he refrains from sin. That person whose life does not change after making Hajj - just as he used to previously omit the Faraaidh he does the same after Hajj, and just as he was involved in major sins before his Hajj his condition is identical after the Hajj - then such a person‟s Hajj was in reality not a Hajji it was merely a joy-trip. Although according to the Shariah his Fardh duty is discharged but he is completely deprived of any blessings, Barkat and reward. What a sad state of affairs that a person spends so many thousands of rands, undergoes so many difficulties during his trip, and yet he does not get the Taufeeq to repent from his evil ways. If a person, whilst on a Hajj trip, commits adultery or theft and he does not feel any regret over his action or repents, then how can such a person‟s Hajj be accepted?

The shaving of the beard is in one respect even worse than other major sins like theft or adultery, since these sins are limited to a specific time, whereas the sin of shaving lasts for 24 hours. A person who shaves is involved in this sin whilst in Salaat whilst keeping fast, whilst on Hajj or Umrah, and even during his performing of Salaat keeping of fast, etc. he falls under the curse of Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam). He is involved in the actual sin in the midst of his Ibaadat.

Hadhrat Sheikh Moulana Muhammed Zakariyyah (rahmatullahi alaih) states in his treatise The compulsion of the beard:

"When one looks upon such people (who shave) then this thought comes to mind that death does not have stipulated time. And if such people have to die whilst in this shaven state, then how will they ever be able to face the blessed countenance of Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam), when the first sight of him will be in the grave. Together with this, occasionally this thought also comes to mind that other major sins like adultery, homosexuality, alcoholism, dealing in interest, etc. are all restricted to a specified time. Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) said: „An adulterer does not commit adultery whilst in the state of Imaan.‟ The Mashaaikh have written that the object of this Hadith is that during the course of the act of adultery, the Imaan of the adulterer leaves him/her. But after the act is complete, then the Noor of the Imaan returns to one. But, the sin of shaving is such that it remains with one all the time. Whilst performing Salaat then this sin is being perpetrated, whilst in the state of fasting, this sin is with one, the same applies to Hajj. This sin is being perpetrated whilst performing every act of Ibaadat." [Page 4]

Hence, it is compulsory for every person who intends Hajj or Umrah, that he correct his distorted (shaven) features and appearance prior to presenting himself in the House of Allaah Ta`ala and the sanctified Masjid of Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam), he must make sincere repentance that he will never again return to this sin. Otherwise, Allaah Ta`ala forbid, that his condition not be like the poem of Sheikh Saadi (rahmatullahi alaih): "The mule of Isaa (A.S.), even if it goes to Makkah, when it returns it will still be the mule of Isaa (A.S.)." He should also reflect that when he presents himself at the Mubarak Grave of Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam), then what face will he show? How much of pain will he not cause Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) with his distorted (shaven) features?

Answer to question # 6:

The concern of such people outwardly appears to be commendable. Their concern appears to be one of respect and honour for the beard, but if they reflect carefully, they will realise that they are prey to the ploys of shaitaan. This is the ploy of shaitaan whereby he involves many people in sin. Understand this by way of one example; a Muslim defrauds and betrays others, whereby the image of the entire Islaamic brotherhood becomes tainted. Now if shaitaan comes to him and makes him regret his action of spoiling the image of Islaam and the Muslims, and he „convinces‟ him that it is a necessity for the sanctity of Islaam that he, Nauthubillaah, leave the fold of Islaam and becomes a Sikh. Now, due to this evil thought, should he leave the fold of Islaam? Or not? In fact, if he really has the sanctity and honour of Islaam at heart, then he will never leave the fold of Islaam; rather he will refrain from all such actions which bring disrepute to the name of Islaam and the Muslims.

Similarly, if shaitaan inspires a person thus that if he keeps a beard and perpetrates an evil act, then it will bring disrepute to all the bearded ones and it will be contrary to the sanctity and honour of the beard. Then because of this thought, the beard will not be removed, rather this person will make a concerted effort to reform his ways and refrain from such sins which bring disrepute to bearded ones and which are against the sanctity of the beard.

Why don‟t these people not have this thought that they will keep their beards and refrain from sins? If these people had the reality of the sanctity of the signs of Islaam at heart, then the call of the Imaan and intelligence is that they keep a beard. They should make this firm resolve that they will refrain from all major sins. They should make dua that Allaah Ta`ala grant them the Taufeeq to safeguard this sign of Islaam by keeping a beard. Nevertheless, we will never be successful in safeguarding the sanctity of this great sign of Islaam based on this imagined fear.

There can never be any reason for depriving oneself of this great hallmark of Islaam. It is necessary for every Muslim (male) to bring into practice this sign of Islaam in themselves and also make a concerted effort in bringing it alive in their societies, so that on the Day of Qiyaamah every man is resurrected with it, thereby deserving the intercession of Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam).

"It is reported from Abu Hurairah (radhiAllaahu anhu) that Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) said: „All of my Ummat will enter Jannat except the one who refuses.‟ The Sahaabah (radhiAllaahu anhum) asked: „Who is the one who refuses?‟ Nabi (sallAllaahu alaihi wasallam) replied: „Whosoever follows me will enter into Jannat, and whosoever disobeys me, he has indeed refused.‟" [Saheeh Bukhari, page 1082, vol. 2]

(Written by Maulana Yousuf Ludhianvi in: DIFFERENCES IN THE UMMAT AND SIRAAT-E- MUSTAQEEM)

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#6 [Permalink] Posted on 30th May 2011 01:00

Yazeed Al Faarisi bin Hurmuz, who was a calligrapher of the Qur-aan, once saw Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam in his dream during the time of Ibn 'Abbaas Radiyallahu 'Anhu. He related his dream to Ibn 'Abbaas. Ibn 'Abbaas said: "Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam used to say that the shaytaan cannot imitate him. That person who has seen him in a dream has really seen him'. After mentioning this he asked: 'Can you describe this person whom you have seen in your dream?'. I replied: 'Yes, I can, I will describe to you a man whose body and height were of a medium stature. He had a wheat-coloured complexion with a bit of whiteness in it. Eyes like those that had kuhl on them. A smiling face. Beautiful and round face. A compact beard which surrounded his mubaarak face, and spread on the foreportion of the chest".

'Awf ibn Abl Jamilah, a narrator of this hadith says: "I do not remember what other feature besides these, my ustaadh Yazeed, who is a narrator of this hadith, described". Ibn 'Abbaas Radiyallahu 'Anhu said.. "If you had seen him while being awake, you would not have been able to describe him any further". (Shama'il Tirmidhi)

From this it would seem that the beard of our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was even longer than a fist length.

Shari'ah Ruling Of Keeping A Beard - By Shaykh Hassan Sulaiman

It is Waajib (compulsory) for a Muslim male to grow a beard. It is also Waajib to let the beard grow a fist length. It is prohibited to cut or shave the beard. He who does so is a Faasiq (sinner) and to shorten it less than a fist length is Makruh Tahrimi (near Haraam). 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)

Verdict of Keeping the Beard according to the Hanafi Madhab

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)

Quotations of other Madhaahib

Hereunder are some quotations from the Ulama of other Madhaahib (schools of thought) which support the above. More clarity can be attained by referring to the present day scholars of each Madhab.

The Shaafi'ee Madhab

Allaamah Nawawi (RA) states, 'The correct view (according to the Shaafi'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 Imaam al-Shaafi'ee and his students.'

There are quotations from 2 great scholars of the Shaafi'ee Madhab that do not permit the trimming of the beard at all, not even upto one fist.

The Maaliki Madhab

Imaam Abul-Waleed al-Baaji al-Maaliki (RA) has stated that: It has been narrated from Imaam Maalik (RA) that he permitted the slight trimming of those hairs that are overgrown and are outside the general growth of the rest of the hair, and that Imaam Maalik (RA) was asked about a beard that had grown extremely long, he replied that it should be trimmed a bit.'

Imaam Abul-Waalid explains the following, 'And it has been narrated from Abdullah ibn Umar and Abu Hurayra (Radhiallaahu Anhum) that they trimmed upto one fist.' Hence, this is what was meant by Imaam Maalik.' (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)

The Hanbali Madhab

Imaam Saamiri (RA) - who is an expert Hanbali Faqeeh (jurists) - states: 'And he should not trim any bit from the beard except if he wishes to do so upto 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, Imaam 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 (Radhiallaahu 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 up to 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 Ahaadith of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] in which the keeping and lengthening of the beard have been ordered. We will just mention a few that prove the above claim.

1) Imaam Bukhari (Rahimahullaah) reports on the authority of Imaam Naafi' [ra] who narrates from Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar (Radhiallaahu Anhu) that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Oppose the Mushrikeen (polytheists); lengthen the beards and trim the moustaches.'

Imaam Naafi' (RA) further states, 'And ibn Umar (Radhiallaahu 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; Kitaab-ul-Libaas no.5892)

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

The verdict of the growing of the beard being Waajib (obligatory) is deduced from this Hadith. That is because any explicit command of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) will be regarded as Waajib, if there is no apparent, clear reason/proof which states that that particular command is for Istihbaab (preference). This is an established fact in Usool-ul-Fiqh (principles of jurisprudence). Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] has commanded the Ummah to lengthen the beards. Allah Ta'ala has mentioned in the noble Qur'aan, 'Those who disobey his (Rasulullah - Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam)'s orders 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 alaa Saheeh Muslim vol.2 pg.143)

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

2) When the two messengers of Kisraa (Khusru - the Persian King) came to Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam], 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 [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] 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 [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] has stated that to lengthen the beard is infact the command of Allah Ta'ala Himself.

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

Actions of the Sahaaba [radhiallaahu anhum]

The narrator (Ibn Umar (Radhiallaahu Anhu) himself trimmed his beard upto 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 upto a fist length) has also been reported from Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra (Radhiallaahu Anhu) and other Taabi'een. (Tamheed of ibn Abdul-Barr al-Muntaqaa and Fathul Baari vol.10 pg.430). Bear in mind that Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra [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 Sahaaba (Radhiallaahu Anhum) is a Hujjah (proof). This is also an established principle in Usool-ul-Fiqh.

A Misconception

Many individuals who fail to understand the above, argue that it is Waajib to keep a beard, but 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 upto 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 [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam]. Hence, the one who chooses not to do so will not be contravening any command of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam], so why is such emphasis being put on the length of one fist?

This - unfortunately - is a result of a lack of understanding of the actual wording of the Hadith. Firstly, 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 [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam].

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

Secondly, the Hadith - as is clear - is general and does not specify any length of the beard. The words, 'u'ful lluhaa / waffiroo-lluhaa' in the Hadith commands us to lengthen the beards, which will (literally) mean, 'it is Waajib to let the beard grow' upto whatever length it reaches. If we did not have the narration of Naafi' that Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar (Radhiallaahu 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 Taabi'een (Radhiallaahu Anhum) did trim their beards upto one fist's length, the Ulama have deduced that this means that the Wujoob (obligation) of lengthening is only upto a fist's length. Neither can we say that it is not permissible to trim it at all - resulting in the accusation of the Sahaaba (Radhiallaahu Anhum) of contradicting the explicit command of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and especially the narrator, (Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar and sayyiduna Abu Hurayra - Radhiallaahu Anhuma). Nor can one claim the permissibility of trimming it upto less than a fist's length, for there is no proof for this in Shari'ah.

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

The practice of the Sahaabi [radhiallaahu anhu] here is used for 'permissibility' of cutting upto a fist's length, because - being the narrator - this is what he understood to be the intended meaning of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam]. In other words, the Sahaabi [radhiallaahu anhu] had understood that the command of Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] of lengthening the beard only applies upto a fist's length and not more. That is why they (the sahaabah concerned - Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar and Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra - radhiallaahu anhuma) used to trim what was in excess of one fist. It is not Waajib to follow them in doing so. What is Waajib in this situation is to let it grow, and the action of the Sahaabi is used only to explain that Waajib 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 [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] turned his blessed face away from them in disgust. Remember, these were Kaafirs (disbelievers). Imagine if Rasulullah [sallallahu alayhi wasallam] turns his face away from a Muslim on the day of Qiyaamat because he did not have a proper beard! Imagine the plight of that person, Allah forbid.

Furthermore, as for the act of shaving, by doing so, one is actually imitating the appearance of women. Rasulullah [Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam] 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 [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam]. Why is it so difficult to make our faces resemble in some way the Mubaarak and blessed face of our beloved Nabi [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam]. The translation of an Arabic couplet is as follows:

'And resemble them if you cannot be identical. Verily the resemblance of the noble ones is also a form of success.'

Lastly, we hope that this article eradicates all misconceptions regarding the length of the beard. In fact, this would be sufficient for a sincere reader. May Almighty Allah grant each and every Ummati (follower) of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) the ability to keep a beard that fulfils the requirements of the Shari'ah, Aameen.

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#7 [Permalink] Posted on 30th May 2011 01:02

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 Makruh (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 (makruh) 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.

Mufti Muhammad Ibn Adam al-Kawthari

See also:

[color=#000000] Importance of the Beard: http://www.muftisays.com/blog/Seifeddine-M/1434_15-04-2011/importance-of-the-beard.html

Once upon a Beard: http://www.muftisays.com/forums/articles-stories-more/5566/once-upon-a-beard.html

The Status of the Beard - Shaykh Riyadh Ul Haq:

part 1:http://darulislam.powweb.com/DOI/Status%20of%20the%20Beard%201.mp3

part 2: http://darulislam.powweb.com/DOI/Status%20of%20the%20Beard%202.mp3

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#8 [Permalink] Posted on 30th May 2011 01:03

Rules Concerning Hair

by Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi رضي الله عنه

1. It is sunnah to grow one's hair on the entire head till the ear lobes or slightly below them. If a person wishes to shave his head, it is sunnah to shave the entire head. It is also permissible to merely clip the hair. However, it is not permissible to clip all the hair and leave the front portion long, as is the fashion today. Similarly, it is also not permissible to shave a portion and leave another portion long. From this we deduce that it is not permissible to sport the babri hairstyle (or to cut the hair in the shape of a cap or to shape the front part of the hair).

2. If the hair has been lengthened considerably, it is not permissible to tie it into a tail like women.

3. It is harâm for women to shave the head or clip the hair on the head. The Hadith has cursed such women.

4. It is sunnah to clip the moustache to such an extent that it is clipped to the skin. There is a difference of opinion with regard to shaving the moustache. According to some it is a bid'ah, while others have permitted it. Caution demands that one does not shave it.

5. It is permissible to lengthen the moustache on the sides on the condition that the area above the lips is not lengthened.

6. It is harâm to shave or clip the beard. However, it is permissible to clip it if it is longer than the length of one fist. Similarly, it is permissible to clip it on all the sides in such a way that it becomes neat and straight (provided it is beyond one fist).

7. It is permissible to clip the hair and straighten the hair line that grows on the cheeks. Similarly, it is also permissible to straighten and cut the eyebrows a wee bit.

8. The hair on the throat should not be shaven. However, it has been related from Abû Yûsuf rahmatullâhi 'alayh that there is no harm in this.

9. Shaving the hair of the lower lip is regarded as a bid'ah by the jurists. Therefore this should not be done. Similarly, they have said that it is makruh to remove the hair that is on the nape of the neck.

10. It is not permissible to pluck out grey hairs merely for the purposes of beautification. However, it is better for the mujâhidîn to do so in order to instil fear and awe in the hearts of the enemy.

11. The hair of the nose should not be tweezed out. Instead, it can be clipped.

12. It is permissible to remove the hair that is on the chest and back. However, it is not good to do so.

13. It is preferable for men to remove the hair of the pubic region from just below the navel onwards. When shaving, they should commence from below the navel. It is also permissible to use sulphurate of arsenic and other preparations (such as hair-removing creams, etc.) to remove the hair of the pubic region. As for women, the sunnah method is that they should remove the hair of the pubic region by pinching it out or tweezing it out and that they should not use a shaving machine.

14. It is preferable to remove the hair of the arm pits by tweezing them. However, it is permissible to shave them.

15. As for the hair of the balance of the body, it is permissible to shave it or retain it.

16. It is also sunnah to clip the nails of the feet. However, it is mustahab for the person who is engaged in jihad not to clip his moustache and nails.

17. It is preferable to clip the finger nails in the following order: commence with the index finger of the right hand until you reach the little finger. Thereafter, commence with the little finger of the left hand until you reach the thumb of the left hand. Thereafter, complete by clipping the thumb of the right hand. As for the toe nails, commence with the little toe of the right foot and end with the little toe of the left foot. This is the preferable method. However, it is permissible to clip in any way that may be contrary to this method.

18. Clipped nails and hair should be buried. If they are not buried, they should at least be kept in a safe place. However, they should not be kept in any impure, dirty place as there is the fear of falling ill.

19. It is not good to bite the finger nails as this is a cause of leprosy.

20. It is makruh to trim the hair, clip the nails and remove pubic hair while one is in a state of impurity.

21. It is preferable to remove the pubic hair, hair of the arm-pits, nails, to have a bath and cleanse oneself at least once a weak. It is best to do all this on a Friday before going for the jumu'ah salât. If one cannot do this on a weekly basis, he should carry it out every fortnight. If not, at least every forty days. There is no concession beyond forty days. If forty days expire and the person does not carry out the above, he will be committing a sin.

(Written by Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi رضي الله عنه in: Bahishti Zewar)

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#9 [Permalink] Posted on 11th July 2011 11:04

CHAPTER 1: Ahaadith of Rasulullah (pbuh) and the teachings of the Sahaba RA. .
CHAPTER 2: The second chapter will comprise the rulings of the Mashaa'ikh and Ulama

CHAPTER ONE:

Ahaadith of Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) and the teachings of the Sahaba RA.

HADITH NO. 1:

Aa'isha RA. relates that Rasulullah (pbuh) 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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) 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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) 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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam)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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) 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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) 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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) 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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) 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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) 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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) 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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam). On seeing this Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) said: 'What is this you have done ? ' He said: 'This is our religion'. Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) 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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) 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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) said to him: 'What has prompted you to do this ? ' He replied: 'My Lord (the king) has ordered me to do this'. Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) said: 'Allah has commanded me to lengthen the beard and to cut the moustache'.

In another Hadith Said ibn Habib relates that Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) 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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) 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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam). Those will be moments of regret and utter hopelessness. Allah forbid, if at such a time of need, and with hope that Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) 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 (pbuh) 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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) refuses to accept them as members of his group. Waathila RA. relates that Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) 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 (pbuh) 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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam), 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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam).

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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) 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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) 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.

CHAPTER TWO:

The second chapter will comprise the rulings of the Mashaa'ikh and Ulama

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(Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) has sternly commanded this to his followers. Wherever Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) 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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) 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 Rasul (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) .

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 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 (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) 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.

Thereafter the late Maulana Madani (may Allah bestow mercy upon him) quotes those Ahaadith that are mentioned in the first chapter of this booklet. The gist of it is that this has always been the exclusive uniform, symbol and mode of those who are always very close and obedient to Allah. Whereas other nations and peoples that are bent on transgressing and flouting the commands of Allah have adopted appearances and apparel that are contrary and intently opposed to what the Shariat allows.

Besides these facts natural inclination binds every follower of Muhammad (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) that he only adopts those characteristics, behaviour, appearance, habits, style and culture etc., of his noble chief Muhammad (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) and that he abstain from the cultures and fashions of the opponents of his beloved Rasul Baas . This has been the demand of correct thinking and human nature from all times, and exists in every nation and country today. Who is there today, that is opposed to Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam), and the Muslims; more than the non-Muslims of Europe?

Historical facts should be studied; and in view of what the enemies of Islam have done, their exclusive uniforms and their attire and fashions should be shunned and disliked. It does not matter whether these modes are those of Curzon; Gladstone, French or America, or whether they are related to dress, body, language, culture or customs. In every locality

and every country of the world it is regarded as natural and human to like and adopt everything that a friend likes, and to regard everything, of an enemy with contempt and as foreign. Especially those things that exclusively belong to the enemies. Therefore our earnest effort must be to become loyal and honest followers of Muhammad (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam), and not slaves of Curzon, Harding, France or America etc.

As for interviews and government services, and the taunts of office workers or clerks, it is only due to our weakness that we feel offended. The Sikhs have interviews and are placed at various, grades of government jobs, some small and others of high ranks, but they hold fast onto their uniform. No person looks down at them in humiliation. Inspite of them being a minority, they hold most jobs and government posts with pride and dignity.

(Quoted from 'The Philosophy of the Beard').

Many youth had confessed to me during the unrest of 1947, that they use to shave their beards, but now they are growing beards because they feared that if killed during the general genocide; they should not be mistaken as Hindus and be cremated. This fear exists at all times as the time and place of death is unknown.

3. Maulana Saeed Ahmad Palanpuri, a professor at Darul Uloom Deoband writes in his booklet 'The Beard, and the Sunnat of the Ambiya': 'There is consensus among the Ummat regarding the prohibition of shaving the beard, not a single person has sanctioned this'.

Thereafter he quotes some relevant expositions of the Ulama. Of these he refers to the author of 'Manthal', in his commentary on Abu Dawood where he states:

'This is why the shaving of the beard is Haraam (prohibited) according to an the Imaams; Imaam Abu Hanifah, Imaam Shafe'ee, Imaam Maalik, Imaam Ahmad (may Allah's mercy be upon them) and others.

Further he quotes Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (may Allah bestow mercy on him) thus;

That where the author of 'Durre Mukhtaar' states 'None have ever permitted it, he has agreed that there is consensus on the prohibition of the shaving of the beard'. Then he also quakes various other statements of renown Fuqahaa (Jurists).

4. The late Maulana Aashiq llaahi (may Allah enlighten his resting place) in his booklet 'The appreciative values Of the Beard' has quoted extracts of prohibition from all the four Mazaahib.

He quotes from the Shafe'ee school's book, 'Al Ibaab'; 'Imaam ibn Ar-Rifaah says that Imaam Shafe'ee (may Allah's mercy be upon him) in his book 'Kitabul Um' has categorically stated that - the shaving of the beard is Haraam -'

Thereafter the Mazhab of the Maaliki school is quoted from 'Kitabul Ib'daa'. This quote has also been mentioned in the booklet 'Al Lihya al Islam'; 'Without doubt the four Mazaahib are agreed that the beard should be lengthened, and that shaving it is Haraam (prohibited)'.

The Mazhab of the Maalikis is that; to shave the beard is Haraam, and to trim it in such a manner that it changes ones natural and normal facial features is also Haraam.

In the Hanbali Mazhabs books 'Shar'hul Muntahaa' and 'Shar'h Manzoomatul Aadaab' it is stated; 'The most accepted view is that it is Haraam (prohibited) to shave the beard. Some Ulama like the author of 'Insaaf' have categorically stated that it is Haraam. There is no report from anyone to the contrary'.

Many others have reported the consensus of the Ulama regarding the obligation of keeping the beard. Shaikh Abdur Rahmaan Al-Qaasim (may Allah bestow His mercy upon him) in his booklet on this subject states, 'Ibn Taymiya has categorically stated that the shaving of the beard is Haraam. Allaama Qurtubi (may Allah's mercy be upon him) states, 'The shaving of the beard, to pull out all the hair of the beard and to trim - short - the beard are all not permissible'

Imaam Muhammad ibn Hazm Zaahiri (may Allah's mercy be upon him) has quoted the consensus of the Ulama, that to cut the moustache and to lengthen the beard is Fardh (compulsory), and substantiates this with the Hadith related by Ibn Umar that Rasulullah has said; 'Oppose the Mush'rikeen (those who set partners with Allah), cut the moustache and lengthen the beards', and also the Hadith related by Zaid ibn Arqam RA that Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) has said: 'He who does not cut the moustache is not of us'. Tirmizi.

Further Ibn Taymiyah lists all those Ahaadith which command us to oppose the Jews and Christians in our appearance, then comments; the Shariat requires us to oppose them, and to outwardly ape them creates love and friendship for them, just as spiritual love effects the outward trend and behaviour. These are matters that have been witnessed and experienced.

Ibn Umar ',- relates that: 'He who imitates the Kuffaar (nonbelievers) and dies in that state, he will be raised with them - on the day of Qiyaamah -'. It is mentioned in the book 'Tamheed'' which is a commentary on 'Mu'atta', 'That to shave the beard is Haraam, and among males the only ones who resort to this are the Hermaphrodites'.

Sayyidina Umar i.' and Ibn Abi Laylah RA , who was a Qaadhi (Judge) of Madina Munawwarah have rejected the testimony of the person who pulls out all the hair of the beard. This book refers to many Ahaadith that prohibit the shaving of the beard.

The incident of the emmissary of Kis'ra has already been mentioned briefly. Maulana Meerutii (may Allahs mercy be upon him) writes in detail, when Abdullah ibn Huzafah RA presented Rasulullah's (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) letter to Khusru Parwez, the king of Iran (Kis'ra), he tore it up in anger and said -'An ordinary low subject of my Empire writes to me, and has his own name written before mine'. He then ordered Baazaan, who was his governor main, and under whose governorship they considered all the Arab lands to be, to have this person - Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) arrested and brought to his court. Complying, Baazaan dispatched a group of army officers under the leadership of Khar Khusru. To study and investigate the conditions of Muhammad (pbuh) an additional officer by the name of Baanuyah accompanied them. When these two officers appeared in the presence of Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam), they began to tremble and shiver due to the overbearing spiritual character of Nabi (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam). These people were fire-worshipping Parsees, and their beards were shaven, they had overgrown moustaches, and they used to call Kis'ra 'Lord'.

Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) was displeased on seeing their faces, and the first question he asked them was, 'Who has told you to make your appearance like this ? '. They replied: 'Our Lord, Kis'ra did ! '. Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) said: 'My Lord has commanded me to lengthen the beard, and cut the moustache'.

The point that has to be understood is that Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) was upset and displeased by this appearance of these non-Muslim representatives.

The late Maulana Yousuf Kandahlawi (may Allah enlighten his resting place) has related this incident from a number of sources in his book 'Hayaat us Sahabaa'. Muslims should seriously think that after death the very first stage will be to face Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam). How displeased and disappointed will he be to see that face which is not according to his teaching or his Sunnah, when every Muslim hoses for his intercession in the Hereafter.

Thereafter Maulana Meeruti (may Allah bestow mercy upon him) relates the story of Mirza Qateel. Learning of his sufic talks an Irani was impressed and became an admirer. To meet him he eagerly undertook a special journey. When he reached the Mirza, he found him shaving his beard. He was astounded and said: 'Aaghaa ! (Sir), you are shaving your beard ! '. The Mirza replied: 'Yes. I am shaving my own hair, I am not shaving anyones heart', thus referring to the sufi concept that you could do what you please with your self, but you should not hurt the hearts of the creation of Allah. The Irani without hesitation exclaimed: 'O ! You definitely are shaving the heart of Rasulullah. 'What do you mean that you are not hurting the heart of any person; when you are piercing the heart of Rasulullah.

On hearing this the Mirza went into a trance, and dropped unconscious. When he regained his senses he recited the following verse: 'May Allah reward you, You have opened my eyes; And have made a personal union, with the king of all souls'.

Thus ii there is no intention of pleasing Allah's beloved Rasul by doing what he taught; for Allah's sake do not hurt his heart, Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) is Allahs most beloved, and to displease him is to displease Allah. Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) has said:

'Whoever displeases me has displeased Allah'. If Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam)is hurt by non-Muslims shaving their beards and having overgrown moustaches, how much more disturbed and displeased will he be with those who claim to be his followers, and yet commit this sinful act.

Maulana Meeruti (may Allah's mercy be upon him) writes on the medical aspect of the beard as well. Since ancient times, Unani men agreed that the beard was an adornment for men, and it protected his throat and chest. Western medical men have now reached a similar conclusion. One doctor writes that by continually shaving, the veins of the sight are effected, resulting in failing eyesight. Another doctor writes that a lengthy beard stops harmful germs from reaching the throat and chest, and another goes so far as to say; that if men shaved for seven generations,the men in the eight generation will have no beards. This means that-the sperm gets weaker in every generation, until in the eight this quality is completely destroyed. This is no prophecy or astronomical calculation, but are basic medical facts.

If a child with a clear voice, imitates someone who stutters, then in a short while he becomes like him, and then cannot say any word clearly any longer.

In this respect a very sound explanation of an American, Dr. Charles Homer, has recently been published. His finding is given below: 'A correspondent has asked me to invent some sort of electronically operated needle to reduce the time wasted daily on shaving. I do not understand why people dread and tremble at the thought of having a beard. People grow hair on their heads, so why do they regard it as incorrect, defective and unacceptable to have hair on their face. When the hair fails to grow on the head then that baldness is regarded as a defect, and a cause of -shame. Every effort is made to hide it. Yet, it is surprising that a man will daily remove the hair from his face; depriving himself from that which is the most evident sign of manhood, without a bit of shame.

The beard and moustache gives the human beings face strength of manhood, a steadfast character, individual integrity and exclusive identity. His survival and safety too are due to this brave appearance. These are the only hair that differentiate the males from the females. The hair on all the other parts of the body are common between male and female. Women deep in their conscience are more appreciative of men with beards and moustaches. Profoundly they prefer the male with a beard over the one without this manly facial feature.

Outwardly it would appear that they dislike the beard and moustache. The reason for this is that they have bound themselves to follow unrealistic friends and latest fashions in dress, and unfortunately these days the beard and moustache is out of fashion. A little bit of hair before the nostrils or the mouth acts as a filter against harmful dust and germs entering the nose or the mouth. A lengthy and thick beard protects the throat from colds.

Dr. Homer describes the shaving of the beard as being bald in the face; and to become slaves of the fashion world as having a feminine complex. He regards independence, bravery and courage to be male qualities, and the beard is the basis of the males handsome features. He attributes this habit of shaving the beard to be a cause of making one more vulnerable to being victims of colds, coughs etc.

He further writes, 'The beard and the moustache is returning to the world, and with it will come back that supremacy that God has given the male over the female. A person witha beard has never forsaken his wife, A person with a beard always upholds the honour of the beard, that is demanded from him. It gives him that prestige position, that is befitting only for males

How unreal is it that a full grown adult desires that his face appears like that of a child; God had created the beard and the moustache for the male adult to adorn his face with them. Whoever laughs and mocks at those with beards is in fact laughing and mocking at Jesus (Sayyidina Eisa AS.), because (Sayyidina Eisa AS.) had a beard'.

This is what a Christian says after carrying out medical and religious research into this matter. According to him for a healthy young man to desire to appear like a hairless immature child is trying to make nature go backwards. Men should then also try to become like apes. After nineteen centuries have passed he honours his Nabi (Jesus) AS. so much that he classifies that person who laughs and mocks at a beard, as having mocked at Sayyidina Eisa AS. because he kept a beard.

Those who claim to be Muslims should demonstrate honour for that Nabi, who is the Noble Chief of all the Ambiya AS. And Sayyidina Eisa AS. will appear before Qiyamah and will also be amongst his followers.

We have quoted, Dr. Charles Homers article as accurately as possible, for to change it would be dishonest and un-ethical.

We however disagree with his views regarding the moustache. Dr. Homer admits that Sayyidina Eisa AS. did not have an overgrown moustache, or else he would have surely mentioned it where he states that Sayyidina Eisa AS. had a beard.

This concludes the gist of Maulana Meeruti's (may Allah bestow mercy upon him) booklet. When this humble servant began writing this book, I had only Maulana Meeruti's booklet in mind, but no copy was available in Madina. After commencing, friends and well wishers brought forward many booklets on this-subject. Seeing these I postponed the writing of this booklet, because so much has already been written on this subject. Some associates insisted that since you have already commenced, it should now be completed, though concisely.

It occured to me that though the necessity does not exist any longer, I would nevertheless like to be a participant in the reward for re-awakening this Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam).

Those who say that people laugh and mock at persons with beards, to them I usually say this verse: 'People think that I am deprived, of all respect and integrity. They should not think that I am not fit for my company'.

Laughing and mocking of a few fools should not be the cause of concern, as against obtaining the happiness and favour of the intercessor of the sinners, the Noble Chief of both worlds, Muhammad (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) 'And our last word is praise be to Allah, the Sustainer of both worlds, and may He send His blessings upon the best of His creation our Noble Chief and leader, Muhammad (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) and upon his clan and grant them safety'.

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#10 [Permalink] Posted on 11th July 2011 11:05

Mufti Muhammad Ibn Adam

Alqama رحمه الله relates that Sayyiduna AbdAllah [ibn Mas'ud] رضي الله عنه cursed women who practice tattooing, have [facial] hair plucked and create gaps between their [front] teeth [artificially] to look beautiful; changing the creation of Allah. Umm Ya'qub said [to him], "What is this?" AbdAllah said, "Why should I not curse those whom the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) cursed and are referred to in the Book of Allah." She said, "By Allah, I have read [the book of Allah] from cover to cover but have not found such a thing." So he said, "By Allah, if you had read it [carefully], you would have found it. [Allah says:] "Whatever the Messenger gives you, accept it; and whatever he forbids you from, abstain from it."(Sahih al-Bukhari 5939 & Sahih Muslim 2125)

There are various points of discussion in relation to this hadith:

1) What is the exact meaning of 'tanmis' or 'nimas' - the root words for the terms 'namisat' and 'mutanammisat' used in the various versions of this hadith?

a) The vast majority of linguistics (ulama al-lugha), jurists (fuqaha) and hadith experts (muhaddithun) are of the opinion that it refers to plucking 'facial' hair. As such, the term 'namisat' refers to women who pluck their own or others' facial hair; and in the narration of Muslim, there is an addition of 'mutanammisat' which refers to women who have their facial hair plucked by others.

Imam Nawawi (Allah have mercy on him) states in his commentary of Sahih Muslim, "Al-Namisa is a woman who removes her facial hair..." (Al-Minhaj sharh Sahih Muslim p: 1602; also see for language references: Al-Nihaya 5/119, Lisan al-Arab 7/101 and Al-Mu'jam al-Wasit 2/955; and for hadith commentaries: Fath al-Bari 10/463 and Umdat al-Qari 15/114; and for fiqh references: Radd al-Muhtar 5:239, Al-Qawanin al-Fiqhiyya, Nihayat al-Muhtaj 2/25 and Kashshaf al-Qina' 1/81)

b) On the other hand, some classical scholars are of the view that 'nimas' refers specifically to plucking eyebrows, and some say eyebrows and forehead. Imam Abu Dawud رحمه الله states in his Sunan, "Al-Namisa is a woman who plucks the eyebrows in order to make them thin." (Sunan Abi Dawud, hadith 3621)

Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani رحمه الله states in his commentary of Sahih al-Bukhari, "Al-Nimas is to remove facial hair with a chisel... and it is said that it refers specifically to removing hairs from the eyebrows in order to make them thin or straight." (Fath al-Bari 10/463)

It seems that the difference is one of semantics, since the majority of scholars who say that it refers to the removal of 'all' facial hair also make exceptions such as removing hair from the chin, upper lip and forehead (details to follow). As such, the issue remains focused on the eyebrows. This is the reason why some even translate the actual text of the hadith as "those who pluck their eyebrows."

2) Although the hadith mentions 'plucking', most classical scholars hold that it is not restricted to plucking; rather, it includes all ways of reducing the hair. As such, the same ruling will apply to cutting, trimming, shaving, etc. (Nawawi, Al-Minhaj sharh Sahih Muslim p: 1602, Fath al-Bari 10/463, Radd al-Muhtar 6/373, Nihayat al-Muhtaj 2/25 and Kashshaf al-Qina' 1/81)

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (Allah have mercy on him), however, is reported to have allowed reducing eyebrow hairs by means which are other than plucking. However, this remains a minority opinion. (See: Al-Mughni of Ibn Qudamah 1/131)

3) Exceptions from the general prohibition of removing facial hair

As mentioned above that even though the hadith in question refers to the removal of all facial hair, the vast majority of classical scholars make certain exceptions. So what are these exceptions?

a) Imam Ibn Jarir al-Tabari رحمه الله is of the opinion that the prohibition is absolutely general. As such, according to him, even if a woman develops a beard or moustache, or grows excessive hair on her forehead, it remains impermissible for her to trim or pluck the hair out - regardless of whether she is married and wants to adorn herself for her husband, or otherwise. However, this seems to be an isolated position. (See: Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari 10/463)

b) According to most classical jurists, however, the general prohibition of removing facial hair is to be restricted due to other texts signifying as such. For example:

Imam Abd al-Razzaq رحمه الله relates with his chain of narration that a woman asked the mother of the believers Sayyida A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) whether it was permitted for her to remove facial hair in order to beautify herself for her husband. A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) replied, "Remove what is unsightly from you and adorn yourself for your husband..." (Al-Musannaf no: 5104)

Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani رحمه الله relates a slightly different version of this report. He states in his Fath al-Bari that the wife of Abu Ishaq, who loved to beautify herself, once visited Sayyida A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) and asked, "What if a woman removes the hair from her forehead to please her husband?" She replied, "Remove what is unsightly from you as much as possible." (Fath al-Bari 10/463)

In view of this, the Hanafi and Shafi'i Schools of Islamic law hold that if a woman develops a beard or moustache, it is permitted for her to remove the facial hair growing on her chin, above the upper lip and below the lower lip. In fact, they state that it is recommended since it is to prevent her from resembling men.

Imam Ibn Abidin (Allah have mercy on him) of the Hanafi School states, "... If she grows some hair on her face which is a cause of her husband disliking her, then the prohibition of removing such [facial] hair seems far-fetched. This is because [self-] beautification for women is recommended for the sake of chastity... It is stated in Tabyin al-Maharim that removing facial hair is unlawful, unless a beard or moustache grows on a woman, in which case it is not unlawful to remove it; rather, recommended." (Radd al-Muhtar ala 'l-Durr al-Mukhtar 5:239)

The renowned Hadith expert and Shafi'i jurist Imam Nawawi (Allah have mercy on him), commenting on the hadith, states that a woman who grows a beard, moustache or hair below her lower-lip (anfaqa) is exempted from the generality of this prohibition, and thus it is permitted - in fact, recommended - for her to remove these hairs. (See: Al-Minhaj sharh Sahih Muslim, p: 1602)

Shaykh Mufti Rashid Ahmad Ludhyanwi (Allah have mercy on him), the renowned late Hanafi scholar from the Subcontinent, states that it is permitted for a woman to remove facial hair; and if she develops a beard and moustache, it is recommended (mustahab) to remove it. (Ahsan al-Fatawa 8/74)

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#11 [Permalink] Posted on 11th July 2011 11:11

The "Peeled Potato" Syndrome - http://www.muftisays.com/blog/Seifeddine-M/1797_11-07-2011/the-peeled-potato-syndrome.html

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#12 [Permalink] Posted on 14th July 2011 15:12

Shaving the Moustache: Sunnah or Bid'ah?

Imaam Malik رضي الله عنه stated: "This (i.e. shaving the moustache) is a bid ah that has appeared among the people ... my opinion in regard to a person who completely shaves his moustache is that he should be beaten." [Recorded by al-Bayhaqi (1:151)]

Imaam Malik رضي الله عنه had a big moustache. When questioned about that, he reported that when Hadhrat 'Umar (R.A) got angry, 'he would roll his moustache and blow'. [Recorded by at-Tabarani in al-Kabir]

Therefore, the Maliki School states that the moustache should not be completely removed, rather only shortened. The Shafi'ees also hold a similar view.

However, the Hanafi position is that 'it is a Sunnah to shave the moustache, and it is better than shortening it.' (Imaam Tahawi رضي الله عنه, and this is also the position of Imaam Abu Hanifa رضي الله عنه and both his main students). (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, Abdullah ibn Umar, Abu Hurayra, Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree, Anas ibn Malik, and others (radiallaahu 'anhum ajma'een). (ibid.)

Imam Ibn Abidin رضي الله عنه states that the opinion of shaving off the moustache being a Sunnah, was chosen by many scholars. (Radd al-Muhtar)

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal رضي الله عنه used to shave his moustache, thus the Hanbali position is also similar to that of the Hanafis.

The Safest Approach

Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi رضي الله عنه has stated in Behishti Zewar: 'It is sunnah to clip the moustache to such an extent that it is clipped to the skin. There is a difference of opinion with regard to shaving the moustache. According to some it is a bid'ah, while others have permitted it. Caution demands that one does not shave it.'

And Allaah knows best what is most correct.

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#13 [Permalink] Posted on 17th July 2011 11:28

Laws of the Beard and the Hair, in the Light of the Ahaadeeth

http://www.peopleofsunnah.com/downloads/summary/18-hanafi-fiqh/1380-laws-of-the-beard-and-the-hair-in-light-of-quran-and-ahadith

By Maulana Fadhlur Rahman Azmi

The author leaves no stone unturned in this short but very enlightening booklet on the issue of the Beard and the Hair.

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#14 [Permalink] Posted on 19th July 2011 14:55

Imaam Tahaawi رضي الله عنه has stated, that shaving the hair of the head is better than trimming it after performing Hajj. With regards to the moustache, careful thought over the matter will reveal that while merely trimming the moustache is in order, it will be best to trim it excessively because the extra trimming will earn extra rewards. (Sharhu Ma'anil Athar, Volume 2, Page 308)

Imaam Haafidh Ibn Hajar رضي الله عنه has written that Imaam Tahaawi رضي الله عنه had preferred shaving to trimming (the moustache) because shaving (the head) is better than trimming after Hajj or 'Umrah. (Fathul Baari, Volume 10, Page 348)

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#15 [Permalink] Posted on 19th July 2011 15:49

Shaving the hair of the head

Shaykh ul Hadeeth Hadhrat Maulana Fadlur Rahman Azmi states (in his book titled 'Laws of the beard and the hair, in the light of the Ahadeeth'): It is also permissible to shave the head, besides the time of Hajj and Umrah, although it is preferable and Sunnah to keep hair in accordance to the practise of the Nabi (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam). However, it is not even makrooh to shave all of the hair as this Sunnah of Nabi (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) is from amongst the Sunan-e-Zawaaid. As a habit Nabi (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) used to keep his hair not as an Ibaadat, hence it is not makrooh (detestable) to omit this Sunnah. (Fataawaa Imdaadiyah, Volume 4, Page 299)

Hadhrat Ali (radiallaahu 'anh) states that Nabi (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) forbade women from shaving their hair. (Mishkaat, Page 384). Whilst explaning this hadeeth, Mullah Ali Qaari (rahmatullaahi 'alaih) states that this hadeeth indicates that it is permissible for men to shave thier heads by taking the opposite meaning (i.e. If it is not permissible for women then it will be permissible for men who are the opposite sex).

There is no difference of opinion regarding the permissibility for men to shave their heads. However, there is a difference of opinion regarding whether the shaving of the head is Sunnah or not. Hadhrat Ali (radiallaahu 'anh) shaved all his hair and Nabi (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) condoned it by not forbidding him. Nabi (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) states: "Hold fast to my way, and the way of my Khulafaa'"

On the other hand, Nabi (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) as well as all the other Sahabah (radiallaahu 'anhum) never used to shave their heads besided at the time of Hajj and Umrah. This shows that to shave is just permissible. This view is correct. (Mirqaat)

Nabi (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) ordered that the hair of Hadhrat Ja'far (radiallaahu 'anh)'s children be shaved after his demise. (Abu Dawood, Volume 1, Page 577) This Hadeeth proves that it is permissible to shave the head. Similarly, this hadeeth indicates that children may also keep long hair. (The reason why Rasulullaah (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) instructed that the hair of Hadhrat Ja'far (radiallaahu 'anh)'s children should be shaved is that their mother was in gried and sorrow due to the martyrdom of her husband. Hence, she will be unable to tend to their hair. Thus, this compassion was shown to save them from having dishevelled hair and lice, etc.)

Just as it is permissible to shave off all the hair, similarly it is permissible to shorted the hair on condition that it is shortened equally. The proof of this is the word 'Muqassireen' in the Qur'aan which means 'to shorten'. However, to cut off only some hair, and to keep some hair at the front of the head which is in fashion nowadays is not permissible. (Bahishti Zewar, Part 11, Page 967)

Prohibition Of Qaza' (i.e. To cut a portion of the hair, and leave the rest)

This is prohibited, Its prohibition is proven from an authentic hadeeth: Sayyiduna Ibn 'Umar (radiallaahu 'anhuma) states that a child was brought to Nabi (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) whose hair was partly cut and the rest uncut. Nabi (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: 'Either cut it completely or leave it completely.' (Saheeh Muslim, and Mishkaat Page 380)

End quote.

Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi رضي الله عنه has stated in Behishti Zewar: It is sunnah to grow one's hair on the entire head till the ear lobes or slightly below them. If a person wishes to shave his head, it is sunnah to shave the entire head. It is also permissible to merely clip the hair. However, it is not permissible to clip all the hair and leave the front portion long, as is the fashion today. Similarly, it is also not permissible to shave a portion and leave another portion long. From this we deduce that it is not permissible to sport the babri hairstyle (or to cut the hair in the shape of a cap or to shape the front part of the hair).

One should also bare in mind, that to fashion ones hair in such a style which is immitating the non Muslims, is not allowed. The Noble Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "Whoever immitates a people is one of them." (Abu Dawud, 4031)

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