The beard in Islam is a clear sign of following the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet ﷺ. Compulsory, it is an integral part of the style that the Muslim must adopt. We're talking to you today about this sumptuous mark of belonging and virility .
The obligation to grow a beard in Islam
There are many proofs in the haadiths proving the Muslim man's obligation to grow a beard. Notably, according to Ibn Omar (may Allah be pleased with them), the Prophet ﷺ said:
" Differentiate yourselves from the associators: let your beards grow and trim your moustaches". (Reported by Bukhari in his Sahih n°5892 and Mouslim in his Sahih n°259).
Similarly, according to Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet ﷺ (may the prayers of Allah and His salvation be upon him) said:
"Part of the fitra (in other words, the innate behaviors on which Allah has created us) of Islam: the Friday ghusl, using the siwak, trimming the moustache and letting the beard grow. Certainly the Mazdeans (fire-worshipping associators) let their moustaches grow and cut their beards, so differentiate yourselves from them: trim your moustaches and let your beards grow".
(Reported by Ibn Hibban and authenticated by Sheikh Albani in Silsila Sahiha n°3123).
There is therefore no doubt about the obligatory nature of the order given to men. From our messenger ﷺ, as to letting beards grow and shaving mustaches.
But why no moustache?
As we've just seen, this is to clearly differentiate oneself from the associators (in Arabic the mushrikûn (مشركون). Those who worship other than Allah. And having a likeness to the associators is an act that contains a very great gravity.
Indeed, it is reported from 'Abdallah Ibn 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with them, that the Prophet ﷺ said, " Whoever resembles a people is one of them."
(Reported by Abu Daoud in his Sunan n°4031).
And of course the Muslim knows that to be part of an associative people is to expose oneself to the same punishment concerning them. May Allah preserve us from it.
So, at the Messenger's request, you should let your beard grow and trim your moustache. As the Sunnah proves.
What is the opinion of the 4 schools of thought on the subject of beards in Islam?
In view of the clear and limpid prohibition in the order given by the Prophet ﷺ, it's no surprise thatthe 4 schools are unanimous. Imam Ibn 'Abidin, of The Hanafite school says "this has not been permitted by anyone".
Imam Al Qortobi, of the Malikite school, says Al Moufhim Lima Achkala Min Talkhis Kitab Mouslim vol 1 p 512: "it is not permitted to shave the beard".
As for Imam Ibn Idir Shafi'i, of the Shafi'ite school, he also affirms that this is not permitted. Finally, Shaykh Al Islam Ibn Taymiyyah of the Hanbalite school is of the same opinion.
Is it even permissible to trim the beard?
As mentioned above, Sunnah proves and scholars are unanimous on the prohibition for Muslims to shave their beards. But what about trimming it? This is an important question to raise.
Well, you should know that Imam Ibn Hazm said in his book Maratib Al Ijma (p 182) "The scholars are in consensus on the fact that it is forbidden to shave the whole beard". Here we see that he used the term "shave the whole".
Indeed, as the majority of scholars explain the permission to cut off from the beard what protrudes from the fist. On the other hand, they all agree on the prohibition of cutting what is inside the fist.
In other words, most scholars say that if a man catches his beard with his fist below his chin, it is permissible to cut what is below his fist.
This also amounts to taking care of one's beard.
Taking care of your beard in Islam
The Prophet took care of his appearance without exaggeration.
He took care of himself, liked to wear clean clothes, and smelled good. So it's important to take care of your appearance. In moderation, but also taking care of that mark of virility that sets you apart. And it's quite easy. Shampoo your beard. Brush it regularly. Apply a balm.
These gestures will enhance this Sunnah. Finally, a touch of perfume will complete your beauty routine. Keep the Sunnah alive and take care of these assets, which are a blessing. You and the people around you will appreciate it.