The significance of "the beard" in Islam.

[Nakhuda]

Recently i met this very devout Muslim bro who insisted that its compulsory for a believer to grow a beard pointing to some verse in the Holy Qur'an where Allah(swt) commands Hazrat Musa(as) on this.I have no beard and never will so are all those who refuse one doomed!?.Besides a beard has many forms like a gottee as well as the traditional one not forgetting one minus a moustache
I refuse to believe that salvation of a Muslim male depends on the growing or not growing of a beard.

[in_cutter]

Originally Posted by Nakhuda Recently i met this very devout Muslim bro who insisted that its compulsory for a believer to grow a beard pointing to some verse in the Holy Qur'an where Allah(swt) commands Hazrat Musa(as) on this.I have no beard and never will so are all those who refuse one doomed!?.Besides a beard has many forms like a gottee as well as the traditional one not forgetting one minus a moustache I refuse to believe that salavation of a Muslim male depends on the growning or not growing of a beard.

i thought it was sunna, not complusory . see they like confusing us.

[The Unknown One]

Salam,

OMG! that so called devoted dude is pulling wurds out of the quran an minipulating it to make you think you shoudl have one.

there are millions of muslims without a beard.

i will try an get the verses ... i have read it before.... if he read ALL and not just one single part then he will see that it is sunnah


sunnah is doing what our prophet did .... certain things like growing a beard, growing ya hair also is sunnah (to shoulders max)


your friend hasnt read the whole thing... the Quran also says that Allah wnats us all to look more or less alike. thas why that "beard, hair etc" look is being used.

if we all look more or less the same ... judging is then canceled out. we will not then loook at sumone and be drived into judging them being, predijice, racist, discriminating in all ways .... looking alike is to "help" you not have these thoughts so easily.

plus our religion has been created to be completetly different to evryone elses. we trim our mustache< no jews or seeks do that, who keep it.
--------------

ok now thats sorted...... your freind saying we are all doomed????
here some points:-


- Sunnah is what the prophets did and we can follow them if we choose to. its not a must.
- To goto Junnah you dont have to be muslim ( UNLESS YOU REJECTED ISLAM)
- Junnah lies under your mothers feet

thers more but as you can see... Sunnah is optional....you can't be doomed if you dont have to be a muslim to go into junnah (obviously you have to be a good person)....if your good to your mother then you have a higher chance of getting into to junnah.

sorry for going off topic but mothers are very important according to islam. and i aint talkin about jus "oh yeah shes my mom and im gonna be good to her obviously"
im talkin about serious stuff. in islam being good to your mother is as rewarding as going to jiahd, reading prayer 5 times a day< worshiping Allah.

i mean theres more to it then what ive said ... but just that makes you think how important mothers are.

a scholer told me that in islam it says:- if your mother doesnt forgive you, then Allah wont either.

just that makes you think.....wow!
-------------------------------------
sorry for going a lil off topic .. but i guess it all relates..
maybe we can start a "importance of Mothers" thread ....

anyway back on point .... NO YOU DONT HAVE TO HAVE A BEARD ... ITS SUNNAH... UP TO YOU! you dont get any sins for not having one....but you get good rewards following our prophet liek having a beard

Peace!!

[Toony™®]

the beard also has to be cared for... and to be left to grow out of shape..

[Mercenary]

Originally Posted by Nakhuda pointing to some verse in the Holy Qur'an where Allah(swt) commands Hazrat Musa(as) on this.

It's quite likely that he was directing you to a Hadith (he himself may have confused it with a Quranic verse) as I'm unaware of any Quranic verse that stresses the importance of keeping a beard.

In fact even those scholars who insist on Muslims keeping a beard can only quote Hadith in support of their case and the only Quranic verses i've seen in any article about keeping a beard are those verses which stress that Muslims should listen to what the Prophet says which is different to a direct mention in a Quranic verse in favour of beards. Below is an example of one such argument...

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

...to the best of my knowledge there is no quranic verse stressing the importance of keeping a beard, if anyone can find one then please reproduce the verse and the reference here! Beard is Sunnah of the Prophet and not a Fard.

[the SHA]

I refuse to believe that salavation of a Muslim male depends on the growning or not growing of a beard.

The issue is blown out of proportion isnt it. There are many things one can do to transform your heart towards Islam, yet the growing of the beard is overly emphasised imo.

You do have to wonder though about this shaving custom we blindly follow. Us men have been designed to grow hair from our face as it comes out from our head. Yet we're programmed to repress such facial growth the instant it becomes noticeable, quite the contrary for our heads (unless youre a Junaid Zia fan).

It is a curious custom, one that doesnt have eastern roots by any means. Rather one of many introduced to us by our more civilised colonialists.

[Mercenary]

Originally Posted by the SHA You do have to wonder though about this shaving custom we blindly follow. Us men have been designed to grow hair from our face as it comes out from our head. Yet we're programmed to repress such facial growth the instant it becomes noticeable, quite the contrary for our heads (unless youre a Junaid Zia fan). It is a curious custom, one that doesnt have eastern roots by any means. Rather one of many introduced to us by our more civilised colonialists.

By the same token circumcision is altering our natural state as is the removal of hair from under the arms, etc!!

What about cutting our nails or trimming our nasal hair?

Its not quite as simple as that is it?

[z10]

i think you are looking at it wrong

the salvation of muslim males does definately not depend on growing a beard

however, the point is that to grow a beard we are showing our intentions

and that is what matters, our intentions...Allah does not need for us to grow a beard, but for us to have the right intentions in life

this is because, by growing a beard, it is obvious that you are repelling the other sex...you are sacrificing that for the sake of Allah

And Allah rewards those who make sacrifices for his sake

[Mercenary]

Originally Posted by z10 this is because, by growing a beard, it is obvious that you are repelling the other sex...you are sacrificing that for the sake of Allah And Allah rewards those who make sacrifices for his sake

Not really, there are many guys who look better with a beard, in fact more and more westerners are beginning to keep beards for fashionable purposes. Also the Prophet was supposed to be a very handsome man and he always had a beard!!

[Hussain]

grwoing beard for me is a sunnah and not farz or wajib in Islam

so if u do grow it u ll be rewarded buit even if u dont u wont be punished

[kasoo10]

I wanted to please my boss once. So I invited him for a dinner at my home. We prepared best chicken biryani, best nehari, best kababs, etc. I had a very good discussion before dinner and everything was going well. Until I invited him to the dinner table and he told me that he is a vegitarian!!

When it comes to pleasing someone we have to find out what that person likes. If we try to force what we like then we may endup upsetting that person.

That is the kind of relationship between us and Allah (SWT), we have to try and please Him. He has made it easy for us by sending an example, our beloved prophet Muhammad (PBUH). By following his (PBUH) ways we can become closer to Allah (SWT).

Once a scholar saw an angle making list of names. Scholar asked the angle, what kind of list is it? Angle replied this is a list of names of those people whom Allah (SWT) loves. At that the scholar became so impetiant, immediatly asked 'Is my name in the list?' Angle checked the list top to bottom and then replied 'Your name is not in the list.' The scholar with grieve said 'Can you please put my name in the list of people who love those whom Allah (SWT) loves?' Angle took out another list and put the scholar's name in that list. Some time latter scholar ran into the same angle and upon questioning angle told him that the scholar's name is on the top of the list of people whom Allah (SWT) loves. Allah loves those who love whom Allah loves.

[Mercenary]

Originally Posted by kasoo10 Once a scholar saw an angle making list of names. Scholar asked the angle, what kind of list is it? Angle replied this is a list of names of those people whom Allah (SWT) loves. At that the scholar became so impetiant, immediatly asked 'Is my name in the list?' Angle checked the list top to bottom and then replied 'Your name is not in the list.' The scholar with grieve said 'Can you please put my name in the list of people who love those whom Allah (SWT) loves?' Angle took out another list and put the scholar's name in that list. Some time latter scholar ran into the same angle and upon questioning angle told him that the scholar's name is on the top of the list of people whom Allah (SWT) loves. Allah loves those who love whom Allah loves.

It would have been a better example if the angel had said, Allah loves those whom love Allah and if you want to be loved by Allah then you must ensure that your actions are pleasing to Allah.

[alghazzali]

One of the signs of the day of judgement - Confusion among muslims, and it's because of ppl like us, without knowlegde coming out with opinions to confuse even more..... I give up.

My principle is "Keep you intentions clean" and respect others as you would liked to be respected yourself.

[z10]

Originally Posted by Mercenary It would have been a better example if the angel had said, Allah loves those whom love Allah and if you want to be loved by Allah then you must ensure that your actions are pleasing to Allah.

it would have been better example?

excuse me, bhai

but u r not in a position to state what is better and what is not in islam...

[kasoo10]

This explains the difference between our thoughts. For every desitnation there is a path, how we can reach destination without path? A friend of enemy is not friend and a friend of friend is friend.

[Mercenary]

Originally Posted by z10 it would have been better example? excuse me, bhai but u r not in a position to state what is better and what is not in islam...

Is that quote from the Quran or the Hadith??

No its not!

Its a made-up example from a scholar in order to make a point. How do we know its made up? Because the scholar claims to have spoken to an angel and not even the Sahabah have ever spoken to an angel. Only Prophets speak to angels!!

This is an example of Muslims turning a well-intentioned story (made up by a scholar to make a point) into an untouchable truth of Islam!!

[z10]

Originally Posted by Mercenary Is that quote from the Quran or the Hadith?? No its not! Its a made-up example from a scholar in order to make a point. How do we know its made up? Because the scholar claims to have spoken to an angel and not even the Sahabah have ever spoken to an angel. Only Prophets speak to angels!! This is an example of Muslims turning a well-intentioned story (made up by a scholar to make a point) into an untouchable truth of Islam!!

u r missing the point

the point is, whatever the story, let the story remain...if it is false or true will be decided on the day of judgement...

why involve yourself? me and you have no knowledge of this scholar...so let it pass...instead of trying to make improvements in it...

[Mercenary]

Originally Posted by z10 u r missing the point the point is, whatever the story, let the story remain...if it is false or true will be decided on the day of judgement... why involve yourself? me and you have no knowledge of this scholar...so let it pass...instead of trying to make improvements in it...

Thats another reason why Islam is failing to rise from the ashes.

We give the same respect to 'opinions of scholars' as we do to the Quran itself. Rather than realising that those scholars made the best interpretation of Islam for 'their times' and then going back to the Quran and Sunnah to re-interpret them for TODAY, Muslims prefer to say 'oh but we shouldnt be questioning those scholars' and so the status quo continues!

[z10]

Originally Posted by Mercenary Thats another reason why Islam is failing to rise from the ashes. We give the same respect to 'opinions of scholars' as we do to the Quran itself. Rather than realising that those scholars made the best interpretation of Islam for 'their times' and then going back to the Quran and Sunnah to re-interpret them for TODAY, Muslims prefer to say 'oh but we shouldnt be questioning those scholars' and so the status quo continues!

there is a difference between letting the matter pass, like i said, and giving the story the utmost devotion as u seem to think i said

i said, let us let the scholar himself be judged upon it on the day of judgement, let us not interefere

i did not say, his word is the same as teh quran, nauzubillah


and in all honesty, we shouldnt question the major scholars of islam

[kasoo10]

Let us talk about 'Their times' and 'Today'. Isn't Islam supposed to be the religion till the end of times? In my mind there is not question of re-interpretation.

Allah (SWT) sent about 126,000 messengers or prophets. Can't He send one more if He wanted to make any changes to the religion. Why is it that the prophethood came to an end?

[alybaba]

Yes, we should question scholars, because they are men and they also have their failings. If we didn't question them, I'd argue we'd be failing as Muslims.

People tend to forget that word most frequently mentioned in the Quran after Allah and Rab is Ilm. Knowledge comes from questioning things, not from blind acceptance.

[alybaba]

Originally Posted by kasoo10 Let us talk about 'Their times' and 'Today'. Isn't Islam supposed to be the religion till the end of times? In my mind there is not question of re-interpretation. Allah (SWT) sent about 126,000 messengers or prophets. Can't He send one more if He wanted to make any changes to the religion. Why is it that the prophethood came to an end?

The Quran is for all times. Not the interpretation of a handful of scholars.

[Mercenary]

Originally Posted by kasoo10 Let us talk about 'Their times' and 'Today'. Isn't Islam supposed to be the religion till the end of times? In my mind there is not question of re-interpretation.

Actually its the Quran which is for all generations and not the books written by scholars about Islam. Those books are written by fallible men and based on their fallible interpretations.

[Mercenary]

Originally Posted by z10 there is a difference between letting the matter pass, like i said, and giving the story the utmost devotion as u seem to think i said

no thats not what happened.

kasoo posted a story by a scholar where he made up an imaginary situation to teach us a moral. I felt that Islamically speaking it would have been better to have advised the person that he must change himself if he wants Allah to love him. This was opposed to the story which suggested that he made it onto the list of those whom Allah love just by complaining about it!

I'm quite entitled to have an opinion as much as the person who made that story up. Can you find me the Quranic verse or Hadith that states only 'scholars may have opinions regarding Islam?'

[z10]

Originally Posted by Mercenary no thats not what happened. kasoo posted a story by a scholar where he made up an imaginary situation to teach us a moral. I felt that Islamically speaking it would have been better to have advised the person that he must change himself if he wants Allah to love him. This was opposed to the story which suggested that he made it onto the list of those whom Allah love just by complaining about it! I'm quite entitled to have an opinion as much as the person who made that story up. Can you find me the Quranic verse or Hadith that states only 'scholars may have opinions regarding Islam?'

the point i am making is that you are entitled to have an opinion on the story but have no right to call the story a fabrication

if it is a fabrication, then it is the scholar who will be judged according to it....but if it isnt a fabrication, then you are the one calling the scholar a liar when he isnt...and that would lead you into trouble

all im saying is that, fine, u dont agree, thats ur opinion, but don't say that the scholar is making everything up...u are guessing as to that fact

[kasoo10]

The story emphesises love for the people whom Allah (SWT) loves. Love for Allah is even greater. And pre-condition for love is to adopt the way prescribed by the beloved.

[Mercenary]

Originally Posted by z10 the point i am making is that you are entitled to have an opinion on the story but have no right to call the story a fabrication

I doubt the scholar himself meant the story to be interpreted as a real story, it seems to be a metaphor being used to make a point.

If you are suggesting that the story is true then can you give me one example from Quran or Hadith where an Angel has appeared to anyone else like this to give them Islamic knowledge?

[kasoo10]

Hadith is commonly used to interprit Quraan. So, when you say interpretation I thought you are suggesting changes in Hadith. If you mean interpretation by scholars, that as well is based on Hadith, mostly. Before we talk about interpretation we need to examin how interpretation is made, just to cleanup the dust.

[z10]

Originally Posted by Mercenary I doubt the scholar himself meant the story to be interpreted as a real story, it seems to be a metaphor being used to make a point. If you are suggesting that the story is true then can you give me one example from Quran or Hadith where an Angel has appeared to anyone else like this to give them Islamic knowledge?

im not suggesting the story is true...why do u have to jump to an extreme!?...can i not remain impartial!?

but in answer to your question, Hazrat Jibrail went to Marium, the mother of Hazrat Isa before his birth...yet she was no prophet.....

[alybaba]

Why can't you interpret the Quran solely from the Quran? Doesn't the Quran say this is all you will ever need?

[z10]

Originally Posted by alybaba Why can't you interpret the Quran solely from the Quran? Doesn't the Quran say this is all you will ever need?

no...the quran tells us to perform salah...but does it tell us how?

the quran tells us to perform hajj....but does it tell us how?

for this we need the hadith of the prophet...there is no other way around it

[kasoo10]

Most stories are fabricated but the point they make is not. Masnavi-e-Roomi is regards as a book where a person can learn a lot. Most of its stories are fabricated. You have to focus on moral of the story.

There are things that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) kept silent about. He gave us discresson. Then there are things which he forbade under certain conditions and then there are things that he emphesized on. Beard is one thing that he emphesized on. He was angry on those sahabas (RA) who cut their beard.

Hazrat Bilal (RA) was african. Did not had full beard but only a few hairs. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to smile when ever he looked at his beard. Hazrat Bilal thought that since he do not have full beard, it is only a few hairs, it looks funny. So he cut those few hairs off. At that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was very angry. When Hazrat Bilal (RA) mentioned his concern that may be it was looking funny Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that he used to smile because angles were playing and swinging in those few hairs.

[kasoo10]

The actual question if beard is made compulsary in Quran? No it is not. But it is a sunnah which is very emphesized.

[Mercenary]

The angel went to Maryam to announce the coming of Isa, not to give her religious parables and the visit was tied into Isa's prophetic mission.

What I asked for was a visit by an angel to a person like the one n the story (not connected to a Prophetic mission) to give religious knowledge, is there such an example?

[z10]

Originally Posted by Mercenary The angel went to Maryam to announce the coming of Isa, not to give her religious parables and the visit was tied into Isa's prophetic mission. What I asked for was a visit by an angel to a person like the one n the story (not connected to a Prophetic mission) to give religious knowledge, is there such an example?

i told you the example just as an answer

to me it does not matter whether there is a story of this or not in the Quran...

the point is, and i repeat fro the final time as my office is closing, if teh scholar siad so let him say it and be judged on it on the day of judgement....why should we pas a judgement on a scholar we not only have no knowledge of but also one whom we have no idea exists...

it is folly to make the wrong judgement in this case....infact to make a judgement at all....

[kasoo10]

Ok both of you go the the parking lot. I will meet you there with 2 paris of boxing gloves. Everyone else form a circle around them...

It is funny how you guys argue about something that does not even matter. Focus on the moral.

[alybaba]

Originally Posted by z10 no...the quran tells us to perform salah...but does it tell us how? the quran tells us to perform hajj....but does it tell us how? for this we need the hadith of the prophet...there is no other way around it

The Quran doesn't tell us for a reason. If it wanted us to perform salah in a specific way it would have told us right? After all, it is perfect.

If you say that there is only one correct way in which a Muslim can grant salah, then you are essentially saying that the Quran is incomplete. Think about it.

[tahaqureshi]

The hadith is the interpretation of the Quran and ONLY the Quran and nothing else. There is nothing in the hadith which is not mentioned in the Quran. When the Quran tell us to pray, that phrase it self holds many details such as how to etc. These words/phrases are then expanded by scholars and written down in tafseer-e-quran so we can understand.

The Prophet (PBUH) was a living and walking example of the Quran in its full form.

[tahaqureshi]

As for the beard in Islam, it is true that having beard is a big sunnah, but not compulsory on a muslim man. But the message most proper ulema and maulanas try to pass on today is that we shouldnt be treating the beard like JUST a sunnah. The Prophet (PBUH) who is the most 'azeem hasti' ever sent down by Allah cried for 5 hours in the searing heat of the deserts of Arabia, making duas and asking for the pardoning of his Ummah. He had nothing to eat for days and days for the sake of his Ummah. On the day of qiyamah all prophets from Adam to Isa will be so scared of the sounds of Hell that they will say "Oh Allah forget my people, please save me!" But our Prohpet (PBUH) will be the only to see "Oh Allah please save my Ummat, my Ummat, my Ummat!"

We must realise that the sunnah of such a noble Prophet cannot be just put aside by saying that "Dari rakhlo to sawab hai, ba rakho to koi gal nahi." We have become so distant from the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) that his sunnah's have become mere options now. The religious and pious men of the olden times used to consider the beard LIKE a farz, because they valued the sacrifices and highness of the Prophet (PBUH).

Let me give you an example, after 30 years of service, if a pakistani army personnel were to wear the Indian army uniform and walk into the GHQ, he would immediately be taken into custody. It doesn't matter that he was a 30 yr servant, but his attire gave him his indentity. If the Inspector General of Sindh were to walk into a police station, all the small personnel would salute him with utmost respect, because he is wearing his IG uniform.

I know these may seem like wierd examples, but similarly, 'libhaas' is very important in Islam. We need to dress and make ourselves look like Muhammadis. We need to present ourselves in society as muslims, and hence create an identification. This is achieved partially be growing a beard.

Hence the importance of the beard, despite it being an option. But it is an option neglected for those who dont realise its full value.

[z10]

Originally Posted by alybaba The Quran doesn't tell us for a reason. If it wanted us to perform salah in a specific way it would have told us right? After all, it is perfect. If you say that there is only one correct way in which a Muslim can grant salah, then you are essentially saying that the Quran is incomplete. Think about it.

no no

the point is...the Quran was revealed with the Prophet...if the Quran was complete in every way was there a need for a Prophet?

Why not just reveal the Quran on its own?

However, the Prophet was sent with the Quran and their is a purpose to this...think about it....if there was no need for the Prophet and only the Quran was needed why would the Prophet have been sent by Allah?

[alybaba]

Originally Posted by z10 If the Quran was complete in every way was there a need for a Prophet?

So, you are saying that the Quran is incomplete.

[Saeed Anwar-194]

Asalamu alaikam wr wb i will post a article on the importance of the beard we might agree or disagree but please dont use abusive language or critcise the beard because it is the Sunnah of a Beloved Prophet(saw) not just our Prophet(saw) but all the Prophets(as) and the great companions(ra) and the Aulia(rah) of this ummah.
If you cant keep a beard ask forgiveness from Allah and say iam weak oh Allah give me the taufiq to follow your beloved Prophet(saw).
And if you have a beard thank Allah and try to follow all the Sunnah's and have good Akhlaq that will take you to jannah not just having beard.


Status of the Beard
By a
Student of Darul-Uloom, Holcombe, Bury

see also Shamaile-Tirmidhi, Noble Characteristcs of the Prophet
Imitating the Disbelievers
The Turban, Kurtah and Topee (headgear)

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 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.

Translation: Ibn Umar radiyallahu anhu quotes the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "Cut short the moustache and lengthen the beard."

(Bukhari and Muslim)

Translation: Abu Huraira radiyallahu anhu quotes the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "Shorten the moustache and lengthen the beard."

(Muslim)

Translation: Ibn Umar radiyallahu anhu quotes the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "Grow (lengthen) the beard."

(Muslim)

Translation: 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 western people and hermaphrodites is not permissible in the opinion of all the jurists. To shave the beard as done by the 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.

Shafe’ee 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:

Translation: "Oppose the Mushrikeen polytheists), trim the moustache and lengthen the beard."

(Muslim)

Translation: "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:

Translation: "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.

Translation: 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,

Translation: "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,

Translation: 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,

Translation: "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:

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

Translation: 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."

Translation: 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."

Translation: 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.’"

Translation: 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."

Translation: 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.

Translation: 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.

Translation: 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.

Translation: 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:

Translation: 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.

Translation: 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:

Translation: "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

[tahaqureshi]

Once again, I think these are just STERN warnings. I doubt there has been a direct declaration of NOT keeping a beard as a sin.

[catwoman]

How can a beard symbolize Islam when Jews and Sikhs also have beards?

[z10]

Originally Posted by alybaba So, you are saying that the Quran is incomplete.

no

i am saying the Quran and the Prophet brought the religion together

Islam was completed by the Quran and the Prophet...

dont twist my words...

[Hash]

I do not have a beard (a bit of stuble when I have not shaven for a few days) nor do I have any intention whatsoever of growing one. If that makes me a bad Muslim then so be it. It is my problem......other people can keep their noses out.

[The Unknown One]

Originally Posted by Mona How can a beard symbolize Islam when Jews and Sikhs also have beards?

OMG!! you serious????

one thing in islam is that we stand out above the rest. jews typocal image is that they have a beard like our but not too long. sikhs have a long huge beards. (beard inclu. a mustache)

ours is that we have a beard but trim our mustache ... its sunnah... and not a must.


[Edited by Merc - Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, calling others dumb is not very mature now is it?]

[Mercenary]

Originally Posted by tahaqureshi On the day of qiyamah all prophets from Adam to Isa will be so scared of the sounds of Hell that they will say "Oh Allah forget my people, please save me!" But our Prohpet (PBUH) will be the only to see "Oh Allah please save my Ummat, my Ummat, my Ummat!"

This is a very serious and rather distasteful accusation on the Prophets of Allah. Where did you hear this and can I have a reference for it?

Whilst Muhammad is technically 'our' Prophet' that doesnt mean that we should exalt him by demeaning the other Prophets. In fact the Quran tells us that no distinction should be made between any of the Prophets.

Where did you hear this taha and what are your references?

[The Unknown One]

lol merc you edited ...

kk i apoligize.....but my point still stands....

best to ask a question about something you dont know then to assume something ...especially with a delicate topic like this (religions i mean not just beards )

[zaf1986]

In fact the Quran tells us that no distinction should be made between any of the Prophets.

There are numerous ahadith stating that Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) is the MOST superior amongst all the prophets. There is even a verse in the Quran about some prophets being superior to others. This is off the top of my head, so I can't give you an exact reference. (I'm not commenting on the actual hadith quoted by taha, but rather the status of Muhammad (pbuhandhp))

[The Unknown One]

... ill be back later on to bring on more crazy thoeries

*looks at hitman*


anyway ill comment more later.

Peace

[Mercenary]

Originally Posted by zaf1986 There are numerous ahadith stating that Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) is the MOST superior amongst all the prophets

The Quran always supersedes any Hadith and this is what the Quran has to say on this subject...

No distinction should be made between the Prophets

002.285 "We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His messengers." Yusuf Ali Translation

002.136 We make no difference between one and another of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam)." Yusuf Ali Translation

003.084 We make no distinction between one and another among them, and to Allah do we bow our will (in Islam)." Yusuf Ali Translation

In fact the Quran SPECIFICALLY says those who DONT make any distinction between the Prophets will receive their rewards

004.152 To those who believe in Allah and His messengers and make no distinction between any of the messengers, we shall soon give their (due) rewards: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. Yusuf Ali Translation

And if the above repetition of the equality of the messengers doesnt appear to be clear and concise enough, then Allah puts it even more plainly in the following Verse

003.144 Muhammad is no more than a messenger: many were the messenger that passed away before him. Yusuf Ali Translation

can it be said any clearer than that?

[zaf1986]

We have made some of these messengers to excel the others among them are they to whom Allah spoke, and some of them He exalted by (many degrees of) rank; and We gave clear miracles to Isa son of Marium, and strengthened him with the holy spirit. And if Allah had pleased, those after them would not have fought one with another after clear arguments had come to them, but they disagreed; so there were some of them who believed and others who denied; and if Allah had pleased they would not have fought one with another, but Allah brings about what He intends.

-Surah Baqarah, aya 253

Originally Posted by commentary of above mentioned verse Although all the prophets of Allah are equally truthful and holy, but in the same way that some signs are clearer and contain deeper messages than others, so Allah's messengers are of different ranks. The particular mention of Musa and Isa is to point out their distinguished positions as the reformers. Musa was directly addressed by Allah, and Isa was assisted by the ruhul qudus (the holy spirit). Both these prophets of Allah glorified the Holy Prophet and gave to the people the glad tidings of his arrival. Refer to the text of the Bible (Deut 18: 5, 18, 19; Acts 3: 22 to 25; John 14: 16, 17; John 16: 7 to 14) mentioned in the commentary of al Baqarah: 40. It would be a false and contradictory statement if it was said that the above-noted verses of the Old and the New Testaments refer to Jesus, because Isa himself, like Musa, gave the news of the advent of the Holy Prophet in John 14: 16, 17 and John 16: 7 to 14. The individual differences in the prophets of Allah are on account of the level of intelligence and the needs of the people amongst whom they were sent, to show them what was right and what was wrong. The manner of receiving the inspiration from Allah and the nature and limitation of every prophet's mission were determined in accordance with the ability of the people to understand and grasp the message. The last message of Allah was perfect, complete, final and conclusive. Therefore, the prophet who was chosen to deliver the final message was the most superior of all the prophets. He was not only the last prophet but also the foremost in total submission to the will of Allah. Musa was honoured with the divine speech, Isa with the holy spirit, Ibrahim with shuhud (vision), but the Holy Prophet had the distinction of receiving the divine inspiration and revelation through all the mediums-see verse 43 of al Anfal and verse 60 of Bani Israil for vision in dreams, verse I of Bani Israil for vision in wakefulness; verses 192 to 195 of al Shu-ara, verse 52 of al Shura for the holy spirit; verses 1 to 16 of al Najm and verses 1 to 4 of al Rahman for direct instructions . This verse clearly states that the discord and strife among the followers of the prophets is due to belief (iman) and disbelief (kufr), therefore, the apologetic attempt of some of the theologians to justify the dissension and conflict between the various religions or the sects of each religion as the outcome of ijtihad or discretion is based upon conjecture, and therefore, untenable. According to Quran, such differences between the people of the scriptures is due to their rebellious attitude against the clearly manifested will and command of Allah. See verse 19 of Ali Imran and verses 13 of 14 of al Shura. The responsibility for wrongdoing rests with the man; and whatever good he does is from Allah.

Surely Allah chose Adam and Nuh and the descendants of Ibrahim and the descendants of Imran above the universes.

-Surah Aali-Imran, aya 33

Contradiction in Qu'ran?

[Mercenary]

Originally Posted by zaf1986 Contradiction in Qu'ran?

The verses I quoted said that the Prophets were to be treated as equals by the believers and that the believers should make no distinction amongst the Prophets. Allah is telling us (the believers) how we should view the Prophets!

You quoted two verses, the first verse is...

002.252 YUSUFALI: These are the Signs of Allah: we rehearse them to thee in truth: verily Thou art one of the messengers. 002.253 YUSUFALI: Those messengers We endowed with gifts, some above others: To one of them Allah spoke; others He raised to degrees (of honour); to Jesus the son of Mary We gave clear (Signs), and strengthened him with the holy spirit

In this part of the Quran, Allah was addressing the Prophet and telling him that he was one of Allah's messengers (002:052). Then Allah goes on to elaborate to the Prophet that the messengers preceding Muhammad were endowed with certain gifts. Some messengers were given more than others and raised to certain degrees.

At no point does the verse suggest that any Prophet was better than any other Prophet, it just shows Allah explaining to Muhammad that different Prophets were given different gifts. IE. some Prophets had military power and others could perform miracles, etc. If you look back a few verses you can see Allah describing to Muhammad how David was assisted by Allah and what gifts (power and wisdom) were given to David by his Lord!

There is no contradiction there!!

The next verse you quoted was...

003.033 YUSUFALI: Allah did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of 'Imran above all people,-

...this verse is not about the Prophets in isolation, this verse mentions the family of Abraham and the family of Imran whom were not all Prophets. This verse has been taken completely out of context and does not present a contradiction at all.

[zaf1986]

At no point does the verse suggest that any Prophet was better than any other Prophet, it just shows Allah explaining to Muhammad that different Prophets were given different gifts. IE. some Prophets had military power and others could perform miracles, etc. If you look back a few verses you can see Allah describing to Muhammad how David was assisted by Allah and what gifts (power and wisdom) were given to David by his Lord!

My understanding is that the verse is very clear. Allah made some prophets to excel over others - i.e. better than others, I can't see another way out of this. If, for example, Musa (as) spoke with Allah Ta'ala, and Sulayman (as) spoke with the animals, if Muhammad (saww) could do both, does that not make him superior over the two?

...this verse is not about the Prophets in isolation, this verse mentions the family of Abraham and the family of Imran whom were not all Prophets. This verse has been taken completely out of context and does not present a contradiction at all.

I recommend you consult a tafseer on that verse, and see who it refers to.

Surely we have sent you as a mercy to the universes

-Surah Anbiya, verse 221 (?I think)

No other prophet was referred to as the mercy of the universes, that'll do for me.

Wa ma alayna illal-balaghul-mubeen....

(I think this warrants a new thread, since it has nothing to do with beards anymore...so merc, would you please...?)

[tahaqureshi]

This is a very serious and rather distasteful accusation on the Prophets of Allah. Where did you hear this and can I have a reference for it? Whilst Muhammad is technically 'our' Prophet' that doesnt mean that we should exalt him by demeaning the other Prophets. In fact the Quran tells us that no distinction should be made between any of the Prophets. Where did you hear this taha and what are your references?

It is not an accusation, but rather an imagery of what will happen on the Day of Qiyamah. This is either mentioned in the Hadith or Quran. The manzar of hashr will be so scary that even the Prophets will think that they are doomed. All will beg Allah to save them atleast, but it will be The Last Messenger (PBUH) will be the only one asking for the safety of his Ummah at this point.

I have heard this from numerous Islamic scholars, ones I trust and those who are not fanatics etc. Dr. Israar Ahmed and Maulana Tariq Jameel, both of whom I have high respect for, have agreed upon this.

It is definitely clear that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is better than all the rest.

One day a 'baddu' came and asked the Prohpet, "Oh Messenger of Allah, when did you recieve your prophethood?" Now the answer to this was simply - at the age of forty, in the ghar-e-hira. But look at the amazing resposne our Prophet (PBUH) gave the man. "Allah had joined my name with His before the creation of Adam. And the precise date of my aoopintment as the last Prophet is only in the knowledge of Allah alone."

There are several hadith and quotations from the Quran which reveal the true degree of respect our Prophet (PBUH) holds in this universe, which is why I ws saying before, that the growing of a beard is very important, as it symbolises whom you follow. And yes I do recognise and accept fully that the Prophet (PBUH) was indeed a mere mortal.

[Hashim]

Aslaam Alaaykum

There is no doubt the beard is fard (obligatory), by Allaah azzawajjal the Prophet (sallallhualayi'wa'salaam) commanded us to have the beard, of course it is compulsry! Many of the ulemaa deem it is waajib (mandotory), to shave the beard is haraam and a direct disobesidance to Allaah subhanhu'wa'tallaah, his messenger (salllallhualayi'wa'salaam) and the noble Qur'aan. I do not know how some brothers can read the da'leel from the sunnah and Qur'aan and yet still stay it is not fard, do these people turn a blind eye to the Haq? May Allaah subhaanhu'wa'tallaah guide them.

[Nakhuda]

Originally Posted by Hashim Aslaam Alaaykum There is no doubt the beard is fard (obligatory), by Allaah azzawajjal the Prophet (sallallhualayi'wa'salaam) commanded us to have the beard, of course it is compulsry! Many of the ulemaa deem it is waajib (mandotory), to shave the beard is haraam and a direct disobesidance to Allaah subhanhu'wa'tallaah, his messenger (salllallhualayi'wa'salaam) and the noble Qur'aan. I do not know how some brothers can read the da'leel from the sunnah and Qur'aan and yet still stay it is not fard, do these people turn a blind eye to the Haq? May Allaah subhaanhu'wa'tallaah guide them.

So ones like i who refuse to grow a beard will be punished?.Isn't that being very narrow-minded?.Arn't deeds and prayers even more important then facial hair .

[The Unknown One]

whos saying not having a beard is a sin??? if it is then its very small ... not even a factor type small.

having a beard is sunnah.....you get rewarded for having one .. and following our prophet ...

[Saeed Anwar-194]

Originally Posted by Mona How can a beard symbolize Islam when Jews and Sikhs also have beards?

why do Jews and Sikhs have beard?
Jews like muslim also believe in Prophets(as) but not Isaa(as) and our Prophet(saw) so they follow there Prophets(as) who had beards.
Sikhs follow Guru Nanak who was a holy man and he had beard and so they follow hes example and have beards and turbans etc.
Oh Muslim is our Prophet(saw) not more greater then guru nanak and the other Prophets(as)?
Sure he is then why dont we try to follow hes example in appearance and in actions we claim to love him but we say oh Prophet(saw) we cant looklike you because we dont want to be mocked because we have a beard(nuazibillah).
I relate a story of a companion(ra) of the Prophet(saw) who went to another country for preaching and they took him to meet the chiefs of a tribe and made a meal for him as he was eating a morsel fell out of hes hand and as he was about to pick it up hes friend next to him said dont these people look down up on this practice he said will i give up the sunnah of my beloved Prophet(saw) for these fools and picked the morsel amd blowed on it and ate it.
Thats why these people were succesfull in this life and next because of the love they had for the Prophet(saw) and would do anything to follow hes sunnah.
Unfortunely today not only we dont follow the sunnah we also mock it(nuazbillah) this mocking of sunnah could lead us to kufr.
like i said before if we cant follow the sunnah make dua to Allah that he give us taufiq but please dont mock it it could be detrimental to our Imaan may Allah give us the taufiq to act upon sunnah in all its aspect from appearance to actions aameen.

[The Unknown One]

Aameen

i think we have basically ended it ......

[Hash]

Islam has been turned into a pile of symbols and rituals by these Wahabbis!

[in_cutter]

Originally Posted by Hash Islam has been turned into a pile of symbols and rituals by these Wahabbis!

oooh not a nice thing to say, as there may be wahabi's here

[Hash]

Originally Posted by Shaf oooh not a nice thing to say, as there may be wahabi's here

well let them go their way and let me go my way. Not a nice thing to say? If you were expecting me to apologise or take my words back it isn't going to happen. If they don't like my opinion that is tough!

[z10]

Originally Posted by Hash well let them go their way and let me go my way. Not a nice thing to say? If you were expecting me to apologise or take my words back it isn't going to happen. If they don't like my opinion that is tough!

hmmm...interesting

i also do not approve of the wahabbism sect

but being so blunt?...

[Hash]

z10- I say it like it is. No point beating about the brush.

The main point of contention I have with them is that they seem hell bent on constantly interfering with OTHER peoples lives. That is all. If they want to do something then they should go for it, as long as they are not harming anyone else I have no problem. But forcing other people to do it as well? NO NO NO NO NO! That is where I have a problem!

[z10]

fair enough

[Mercenary]

in all honesty wahabi/salafi people are amongst the most unpleasant Muslims i have met. The word kaffir is thrown around with gusto and everyone else is wrong!!

There have been a few at my workplace, they are sitting with me and non-Muslims chatting away as though we are all best friends. Then the moment the non-Muslims leave, they say 'bloody kaffirs'

[Saeed Anwar-194]

Originally Posted by Hash Islam has been turned into a pile of symbols and rituals by these Wahabbis!

I dont know who you are calling Wahabi? for your info iam not i agree there are people who call themselves salafi just call other muslim kafirs and bidaties.
And they are wrong we should call muslim & non muslim towards Islam with Hikamah and beutifull preaching.
Also we should not call names and get abusive just because someone said something that we dont like or act upon.
Nobody is perfect all of us are weak and sinfull we should make dua to Allah that he give us the taufiq to act upon Islam and follow the sunnah of the Prophet(saw) aameen.

[Jafri]

First of all thankz to Saeed Anwer wanna be for this great article.

I will actaully change my behavior becuz of that. That means my uncle was rite...LOL
but beard on me will just look ugly.

first i will try to convince my dady

[TAHIR]

Importance of the Beard in the words of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam):

(1) Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said "I have no connection with one who shaves, shouts and tears his clothing eg. in grief or affication." - Reported by Abu Darda (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 501

(3 Abdullah Ibn Umar (R.A.) relates that: "He who imitates the kuffar (non-believers) and dies in that state, he will be raised up with them on the Day of Qiyamat (Judgment)."

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

(5) "Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) ordered us to trim the moustache closely and spare the beard" says Ibn Umar.- Muslim, Hadith no. 449

(6) Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam)said: "Act against contrary to the polythesists, trim closely the moustache and grow the beard."- Reported by Ibn Umar (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 500

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

(8) Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "Anyone who shaves has no claim to the mercy of Allah"- Reported by Ibn Abbas (R.A.) in Tibrabi

The Beard according to the Great Imams of Jurisprudence

HANAFI

Imam Muhammed (R.A.) writes in his book "Kitabul Aathaar" where he relates from Imam Abu Hanifa (R.A.) who relates from Haytham (R.A.) who relates from Ibn Umar (R.A.) that he (Ibn Umar) used to hold his beard in his hand and cut off which was longer. Imam Muhammed (R.A.) says that this is what we follow and this was the decision of Imam Abu Hanifa. Therefore, according to Hanafies, to shorten the beard less than a FIST LENGTH is HARAAM and on this is IJMA (consensus of opinion).

SHAFI

Imam Shafi (R.A.) in his Kitabul Umm states, "To shave the beard is HARAAM." (Shari Minhaj dar Shara Fasl Aqueeqa).

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 "Muatta" (Sunnan Imam Malik (R.A.)) that to shave the beard is HARAAM and among males the only ones to resort to this practice (of shaving) are the HERMAPHRODITES (persons who possess both male and female features and characteristics).

HANBALI

The Hambalies in the famous Al-Khanie'a Hanbali Fatawa Kitab state that "to grow the beard is essential and to shave it is HARAAM." Also in the Hanbali Mathab books "Sharahul Muntahaa" and "Sharr Manzoomatul Aadaab", it is stated "The most accepted view is that it is HARAAM (prohibited to shave the beard)."

Also note, according to scholars of Islam: "To shave off the beard is unlawful (haraam) and one who shaves his beard is legally speaking an unrighteous fellow (FASIQ); hence, it is NOT PERMISSIBLE to appoint such a man as an Imam. To say Taraweeh behind such an Imam is MAKRUH-E-TAHRIMI (near prohibition)" (Shami Vol.1, p.523)

The Durre-Mukhtar states: "No one has called it permissible to trim it (the beard) less than FIST-LENGTH as is being done by some westernize Muslims and hermaphrodites." (Vol. 2, p. 155). Also, "It is forbidden (haraam) for a man to cut off another's beard." (Vol. 5, p. 359).

CONCLUSION

Thus, a Muslim who shaves or shortens his beard is like a hermaphrodite, his Imamate near prohibition, his evidence is not valid, he will not have the right to vote or being voted for. Shaving and shortening the beard is the action of non-believers. Imam Ghazzali (RA) says: "Know that the key to total bliss (Saadah) lies in following the Sunnah and in emulating the life of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) in ALL that issues from him, and in ALL his doings even if it concerns the manner of his eating, rising, sleeping, and speaking. I do say this in relation to rituals in worship ONLY because there is no way neglecting the Sunnah reported of him in such matters - but what I say INCLUDES EVERY ASPECT of his daily life." (Kitab al Arbain Addin, Cairo 1344, p. 89). Furthermore, in the Holy Qur'an, Allah told Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) to say:

"Say: "If ye do love Allah, Follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran 3:31)

Lastly, Allah Ta'ala says in the Holy Qur'an: "And when the true believers are called to Allah and His Rasul (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) [to accept and practice the law and commands of Allah and His Rasul (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam)] that he may pass judgement upon them, their ONLY reply is 'We hear and obey.' Such men shall surely prosper." (24:51)

THE CALL IS TO GROW A FIST LENGTH BEARD, LET US HEAR AND OBEY TO PROSPER.

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

(Commentary, not related to the above article or author)

Muslims are overcome with western influence in their lives and it's easy to forget, nay, neglect the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Little do these Muslims realize the magnitude of their actions in imitating Kufaar (see Hadith section). Hopefully the information presented herein will enlighten those. And then there are others who claim that the matters concerning beards is a "little" issue not worthy of mention nor practice. To them I say get off the denial bandwagon, you're a Muslim! Follow the Prophet (Peace be upon him) in all aspects of life, for he was the best of examples. I couldn't tell you how many times I've mistaken a Muslim brother (outside of the Masjid) for a kaafir on account of his clean-shaven, well oiled, face. How can I say "Assalaamu Alaikum Brother!" when I do not know if he is a Muslim. Yet that very brother then wonders why he was ignored! Sure, he can tell if others are Muslim on account of their beard, but what about himself?

From one brother to another, I say: "Grow a beard, then, since it also promotes Brotherhood in the real world. Stand with your Brothers, be one. We know you are handsome without it (a beard), but who cares? What matters is how Allah (S.W.T.) sees you. And when you do grow a beard, don't mock the Sunnah, please grow it correctly, i.e. FIST LENGTH. That is the prescribed length and no shorter (see Hadeeth section)..." Peace. **

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

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

[cavin420]

has it got to be a beard or a "Khat" can do the trick as well ?

[sneekysneeky]

shaving your beard is forbidden... trimming is fine(whatever the length as long as its visible)... french i hear is forbidden...

[ziggy]

stone me now

[entralinks]

Hash: I don't believe this utterly ridiculously theory that you must have to have a beard. I'm sure, in my opinion, in fact, I suppose, if we were not allowed to cut our hair then what was the point behind God creating Gillette Censor Excel II? And also Mach 3? I'm sure, in my opinion, in fact, I suppose, all this is only what mullahs want, and now they are bent on enforcing it on us.

I hold this belief that no one should tell anyone what to do which is why I want to tell this to these mullahs that they should mind their own business and do as I tell them which is not to tell me not to tell them that I don't want them to tell me what to do. Period.

[sneekysneeky]

Originally Posted by entralinks Hash: I don't believe this utterly ridiculously theory that you must have to have a beard. I'm sure, in my opinion, in fact, I suppose, if we were not allowed to cut our hair then what was the point behind God creating Gillette Censor Excel II? And also Mach 3? I'm sure, in my opinion, in fact, I suppose, all this is only what mullahs want, and now they are bent on enforcing it on us. I hold this belief that no one should tell anyone what to do which is why I want to tell this to these mullahs that they should mind their own business and do as I tell them which is not to tell me not to tell them that I don't want them to tell me what to do. Period.

[HAFRIDI]

Originally Posted by entralinks Hash: I don't believe this utterly ridiculously theory that you must have to have a beard. I'm sure, in my opinion, in fact, I suppose, if we were not allowed to cut our hair then what was the point behind God creating Gillette Censor Excel II? And also Mach 3? I'm sure, in my opinion, in fact, I suppose, all this is only what mullahs want, and now they are bent on enforcing it on us. I hold this belief that no one should tell anyone what to do which is why I want to tell this to these mullahs that they should mind their own business and do as I tell them which is not to tell me not to tell them that I don't want them to tell me what to do. Period.

[cavin420]

im with Hash on this one.

[Hash]

[kasoo10]

I am with Tahir.

Tahir, this is a very good post, very well done for putting this all togather. Keep it up.

You will get stoned here though! Or no one will post.