SHAR'EE RULING OF KEEPING
A BEARD
-----------------------
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) 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 (ra) 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.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Moulana Muhammad ibn
Moulana Haroon Abassommar
FACULTY OF SPECIALTY IN HADITH SCIENCES
Checked & Approved by: MUFTI EBRAHIM DESAI (FATWA DEPT.) - with comments
|
Answer 7754 |
2003-01-17 |
There are two
aspects to your query; a) Growing of a Waajib (compulsory) beard, and b)
Growing of a Sunnah beard.
In principle, whatever grows on the jaw bone is considered as beard. The Hair
on the neck and cheek is not considered as part of the beard. However,
according to all four Imaams of Fiqh, it is necessary to have a fist long
beard all round. In view of this, practically, a person having a fist long
beard only on the jaw bone shall be odd and surprising.
Therefore, the hair on the neck that is growing towards the throat may be cut
but the hair that is growing towards the beard should not be cut.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
According to the
Shari’ah, it is compulsory to keep a beard and it is prohibited to trim it
lesser than the length of one’s fist or shave it. Apart from the compulsion,
keeping a beard is the Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam).
He condemned the custom of shaving the beard which was common among the Romans
and Persians. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) had a full beard almost
covering his chest. He advised us, ‘Go against the Christians and Jews,
lengthen your beards and shorten your moustache.’ It is clear from the
abovementioned that it is not permissible for one to follow any trend which is
un-Islamic.
We are an Ummah with different values and ideals. What may seem professional
to others may be unacceptable to us. We should be firm in our Deen and Sunnah
and do not be deterred by being discriminated in any way. Meet your associates
with an expression of confidence in the Islamic way of life and attire. That
attitude will have an impact on your associates. Ask yourself the question,
who does my allegiance belong to, to Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (Sallallaahu
Alayhi Wasallam) or to the trend of time. Furthermore, there is a growing
trend in the international world, Muslims and non-Muslims, keeping beard
without any hindrance, especially in Canada where there is a zero tolerance
policy against religious discrimination. I am well aware of many professionals
in Canada wearing a Sunnah beard and Sunnah attire and go to work.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
A Taab’iee, Abdullah
Daylami (rahmatullah Alayh) said, "From the early saintly elders the saying
has reached me that the disappearance of Deen from this world commences with
the omission of the Sunnah. One by one the Sunnats will be discarded just like
the coils of the rope are removed one by one." (Daramy).
I quote from a little book titled "The beard....a humorous sketch. * A duel
between The Body and Satan." The book was written by a South African years ago
but it has relevance today too. A hajee begins to pack his bags to return home
after completing his hajj.............Shaitaan intrudes......"Home sweet home,
by next Friday, you will be home." Body feels shattered and reminds Shaitaan
that he had promised never to interfere with it in the future...........
Shaitaan responds, " It is useless for a sheep to pass a resolution on
vegetarianism whilst the wolf remains of a different opinion. You are a sheep,
what about wolves in your town? Though most of the elders and youth believe we
do not exist, which makes our labour easier, but we are friends to all, and
not foes. In your case my chief's orders are not to interfere with your future
activities, and I promise to abide", said the accursed Shaitaan in a voice
that sounded like a challenge. "I came to issue a final warning. That grey
beard you have kept, it looks ugly, shave it off, before you reach home. Your
friends will mock at you, and call you a holy harpooner. Besides, beards are
not compulsory in Islam, and your hadj is now completed," said shaitaan.
The Body said, "You may be right, but I have no intention to remove it."
Shaitaan said, " In the olden days the razors were unobtainable and people
kept beards under those circumstances. A man like Abu Jahel kept an eight inch
beard and many other personalities of high ranking unbelievers also kept
beards. Since the invention of the razors, the greatest poets, most of the
five time Namaazies, and the Intellectuals of the world shave off their beards
(clean). You, an uneducated, obstinate, orthodox simpleton do you know more of
Islam than those learned ones? Are they fools as you are? Listen, a monkey is
an organised sarcasm upon the human race, Why look like one?" said Shaitaan
the accursed.
"To be seventy years young is sometimes far more cheerful and hopeful than to
be forty years old. Shave off the beards clean, dye the hair black, wear a
smart suit, a shirt and a lovely tie with continental shoes and you will look
eleven years younger. You wife looks younger and Islam is an elastic bag, many
innovations could be added."
Body said, " I must admit, there are two sorts of doctors, one who practices
with the brain, the other with the tongue but you are a combination of both,
truly exceptional. Why should I allow my colleagues and others to mock at me
or call me a pretending holy man........... My wife looks younger, besides
beards are not compulsory. Thanks for your timely reminder."
Body commanded the hands, " Please take a razor from the bag and shave off
this beard." The hands obeyed and the beard came off. "Ah!, that's better, I
feel fresh and young", said the Body and then turned to a mirror, saying, "Do
you know that I have always considered my face a convenience, rather than an
ornament, but with a clean shave, it shines like a sixpence. Thank you indeed,
for your efforts", said Body to the hands.
Shaitaan said, "Young men think old men are fools, but old men know that young
men are fools".......Shaitaan was satisfied with his success. The pious men
and women of the world know his auspicious insinuations, his perpetual
dictates and sweet murmuring have converted many a learned person to his
school of law and thought.
Shaitaan continued, "Flatterers make cream-cheese from chalk, but we don't.
There are three things people in future will clamour for. Novelty, novelty,
novelty.
One needs to ponder over the above as I move on to a later stage in this duel.
The Soul has now entered the fray and explains why Muslims have reached the
present stage of degradation and slavery. "................. for centuries we
influenced the world not only in politics but in the domains of science, art
and culture. This prestige and leadership was achieved by those pious bearded
gentlemen with the assistance of their pious women. One had the strength to
defy six to ten, but presently it is vice versa. We abandoned the Islamic
virtues, and precepts" ..........."..We discarded moderation and indulged in
extremes. Men and women lost love and peace, so vices, shamelessness, hatred
and jealousy entered in our present lives"........"Muslims surrendered
themselves mentally to the rising force of Europe because Muslims stopped
living as Muslims............both men and women indulged themselves in lavish
splendour and vices, brushing aside the Basic principles of Islam....."
Body interrupted, saying, "Can you please narrate to us some of the advantages
of the beard." Soul said, " When Shaitaan said that razors were not obtainable
therefore people kept beards, he is a liar. During the time of Prophet Lot
(AS) people used to shave and razors were obtainable. For their unnatural
practices, they were wiped out...."
Prophets Moosa and Isa (AS) and Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wassallam) introduced
beards again. But at the turn of the 19th century, shaving restarted and
people in Europe were taxed for keeping beards for financial gains.
Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wassallam) advised that beards must be kept
proportionate and equal on all sides. The beard brightens the eye-sight and
doubles the physical strength and increases courage in youths. The beards
should be kept clean and oiled. The beards without side-whiskers are not
recommended in Islam...............The beard enhances the beauty of a male and
lends respect and gravity to the appearance....very fine beards are not
acceptable.
Nabi (sallaallaahu alayhi wassallam) is reported to have said that " The best
of the youths are those who imitate their old men. And the worst of the old
men are those who imitate their youths." (Tibrani)
When Shaitaan told Body that beards gave the appearance of a monkey, he is a
notorious liar. In fact the beard gives an appearance of a lion to the males,
and without it they appear as Springboks," said the Soul.
May Allah Ta'ala guide you to follow the Sunnahs, ameen.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
1SOCIAL DEPT.
CHECKED AND APPROVED: Mufti Ebrahim Desai