1. The Prophet’s Clear Instruction
The most compelling evidence for growing a beard comes directly from the Hadith. The Prophet Muhammad (ï·º) clearly instructed his followers to grow their beards and trim their mustaches, which is an essential practice for men within Islam. Several authentic narrations emphasize this:
Sahih al-Bukhari (5892) & Sahih Muslim (259):
"Trim the mustache and let the beard grow; be different from the polytheists."Sahih Muslim (260):
"Act against the polytheists, trim the mustache, and grow the beard."
These narrations indicate a clear command from the Prophet (ï·º), which suggests that growing the beard is not merely recommended, but required. The use of the imperative form in these hadiths is significant, as it typically denotes an obligation in Islamic jurisprudence.
2. The Absence of a Worldly Punishment Does Not Affect Its Status
One argument that is sometimes raised against the obligation of growing a beard is the lack of a specified punishment in the Qur'an or Hadith for those who shave it. However, in Islamic law, the absence of a worldly punishment does not invalidate the obligation of a particular act.
For instance, wearing the hijab or covering the ‘awrah (private parts) is a clear religious obligation for women, yet no fixed worldly punishment is prescribed for failing to observe these practices. This does not change the fact that they are wajib (obligatory). Similarly, although no worldly punishment is explicitly mentioned for shaving the beard, this does not negate the fact that it is a religious duty.
3. The Scholarly Consensus on the Beard
The majority of Islamic scholars agree that keeping a beard is an essential practice for Muslim men. The four major Sunni schools of thought—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali—are united in their stance that growing the beard is wajib (obligatory). Many prominent scholars have spoken on this matter, including:
- Ibn Taymiyyah, who affirmed that growing a beard is an obligation.
- Imam An-Nawawi, a respected Shafi’i scholar, emphasized that the hadith makes it clear that growing the beard is wajib.
This consensus among scholars from various schools of thought strengthens the position that keeping a beard is not a personal choice, but a religious duty.
4. What Happens If the Obligation Is Ignored?
In Islam, any wajib (obligatory) act that is neglected repeatedly without repentance can lead to a major sin. While some may argue that shaving the beard is a minor sin (Saghira), it is important to understand that neglecting an obligatory act consistently over time without seeking repentance could result in a more severe consequence.
Islamic teachings emphasize that “a minor sin, when done persistently, becomes a major sin.” This principle underlines the importance of adhering to religious obligations and fulfilling them sincerely.
5. Addressing the Minority Opinion
Some individuals argue that growing a beard is not wajib, citing the absence of a fixed punishment in the Qur'an or Hadith. While it’s true that the Qur'an does not mention a direct punishment for shaving the beard, the overwhelming evidence from the hadith and the consensus of the scholars make it clear that growing the beard is an obligation. The reasoning that "no punishment means no obligation" is not sufficient to overturn the numerous clear hadiths and scholarly opinions that support the practice of keeping a beard.
Conclusion
The command of the Prophet Muhammad (ï·º) regarding the beard is clear, and the majority of scholars have consistently upheld its obligation. Although some may argue that there is no punishment for shaving, this does not alter the fact that growing the beard is a religious obligation.
Growing the beard is part of adhering to the Sunnah of the Prophet (ï·º) and fulfilling an important aspect of Islamic conduct. It is not merely a cultural tradition, but a reflection of obedience to Allah’s guidance.
May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of Islam with sincerity and dedication.
- Sahih al-Bukhari (5892)
- Sahih Muslim (259, 260)
- Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmu’ al-Fatawa
- Imam An-Nawawi, Sharh al-Muhadhdhab