Ibn Bazz: Is it permissible to shorten the beard or should it be grown?

( Part No : 10, Page No: 83) 

Is it permissible to shorten the beard or should it be grown? 

Q: I let my beard grow, praise be to Allah, and whenever I meet one of my family or relatives, they speak against my beard and insult me using offensive words. They even ask me to trim it but I insist on letting it grow. Is it permissible for me to trim it or should I let it grow paying no attention to words? 

A : It is obligatory upon you to let it grow and become thick out of obedience to the command of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) paying no attention to whatever they say. Rather, you should reject this and remind them of Allah, tell them that this is impermissible and that they, by their behavior, support Satan and follows the satanic way as they call to disobeying Allah. May Allah save us from that. Over and above, the Messenger (peace be upon him) said: Trim closely the mustache and let the beard grow! Be distinguished from the Mushriks (those who associate others in worship with Allah). He also said: Trim closely the mustache and lengthen the beard! Be distinguished from the magi. And Keep the beards thick Hence, it is obligatory to grow and lengthen it and disobey whoever calls for shaving or trimming it. We ask Allah to grant us safety. 

This verily confirms the Hadith: At the end of time, there will be devils (i.e. evil people) who will invite people to disobey Allah and violate His prohibitions. It is also reported in the Hadith narrated by Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him) which is agreed upon by Imams (Al­Bukhari and Muslim)that when the Messenger (peace be upon him) was asked about evil 

( Part No : 10, Page No: 84) 

that will befall after his death, he (peace be upon him) told him that there will be Du'ah (callers to Islam) standing at the gates of the Hellfire (i.e. leading people to hellfire) and whoever responds to their call, will be thrown by them into it." I said, "O Messenger of Allah! Describe them to us". He said: "They will be from our people and speak our language." We ask Allah to grant us soundness and safety. Such people and their likes who are mentioned by the questioner are of the same category. Accordingly, we should guard ourselves against them and their call which contradicts the purified Shari`ah. 

Allah is the Only One whose Help is sought. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!