The Significance of Beard in Islam: A Comprehensive Guide

The beard holds a special place in Islamic tradition, representing a visible symbol of masculinity and religious observance. In Islam, the beard is not merely a fashion statement but carries deep spiritual and cultural significance. This article aims to explore the importance of the beard in Islam, shedding light on its historical context, religious interpretations, and practical implications. By understanding the teachings and traditions associated with the beard, Muslims can embrace this aspect of their faith with knowledge and reverence.

Historical Context of Beard in Islam

The tradition of growing a beard dates back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who himself had a full and majestic beard. His followers, the Sahaba (companions), sought to emulate him in every aspect of life, including his appearance. The beard became a distinctive feature among Muslim men, symbolizing their commitment to the faith.

Religious Interpretations of Beard in Islam

Islamic scholars have explored the religious interpretations surrounding the beard, basing their conclusions on various sources such as the Quran, Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ), and scholarly consensus.

The Quran does not explicitly mention growing a beard, but it emphasizes the importance of following the Prophet’s example (Sunnah). Numerous Hadith highlights the Prophet’s encouragement to let the beard grow and to trim the mustache, considering it a distinguishing feature of men and a way to differentiate from women.

Islamic scholars unanimously agree that growing a beard is highly recommended (mustahabb) for men. They regard it as an act of obedience to the Prophet’s teachings, reflecting a commitment to Islamic values and identity.

The following are the disadvantages of shaving a beard

• Are blackhead face.
• There is land on facial skin.
• Cal becomes.
• Are nose seed.
• Generally beneficial for treating abscesses
• Scabies
• Allergies

If you are Muslim, it does not allow you to cut Beard in Islam. We should not cut the beard. It is a very good thing and it gives us many benefits.

It is said that the dead body of a clean-shaven unknown young man was found in a village near Quetta. After the necessary formalities, people buried him. Meanwhile, the young man’s family members turned up and expressed the wish of taking the dead body to their village to bury it there. Therefore, the grave was dug. As the slab was removed from over the face, people shrieked in terror to see that there was a black beard on the face of the clean-shaven young man just buried, and it was not the beard of black hair. It was the beard of black scorpions! Seeing that horrifying scene, people put the soil onto the grave haphazardly and returned in panic repenting of sins.

Let your beards grow

O the devotees of the Holy Prophet! Repeatedly read the following blessed saying of the Noble Prophet ﷺ, ‘Trim your mustaches very short and let your beards grow. Do not make your face like that of the Jews.’ ^[1]Sharah Ma’ani Al-Asar vol. 4, pp. 28

The incident of the Holy Prophet ﷺ hating cleanly shaven

The Holy Prophet ﷺ once sent a letter with the message of ‘call to righteousness’ to Sag-e-Iran Khusraw ^[2]Parwayz via Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Bin Huzafah رضي الله عنه. Seeing the blessed letter, Khusraw ^[3]Parwayz, a cruel and insolent person, turned furious and tore the blessed letter into pieces. ^[4]What Parwayz then said is omitted because of being blasphemous.

Then, Khusraw ^[5]Parwayz issued an order to Bazan, the then governor of Yemen, who had influence over the entire Arab Empire. Bazan called for a troop whose commander’s name was Kharkhasrah. Moreover, another officer named Baniwiyah was also sent along with them to keep an eye on the advances and actions of the Holy Prophet ﷺ.

When both of these officers were brought into the blessed court of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ, their neck veins were trembling out of the Prophetic-awe of Beloved Mustafa ﷺ. Since they were fire-worshippers, they did not have beards, and their mustaches were so big that their lips were covered.

They used to call their king Parwayz as their ‘lord’. Distressed by seeing their beardless faces, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ said in disgust, ‘May you be ruined! Who asked you to make such a face?’ They replied, ‘Our lord ‘Parwayz’ has asked us to do so.’ The Beloved and Blessed Prophet ﷺ said, ‘But my Rab عز وجل has ordered me to grow a beard and trim mustache.’ ^[6]Madarij-un-Nabuwwah, vol. 2, pp. 224-225 ^[7]Fatawa Razawiyyah, vol. 22, pp. 647

Ponder over this incident!

Dear Islamic brothers! They both were unbelievers ^[8]non-Muslims as well as unaware of the rulings of Shari’ah and were not obliged to follow Shari’ah either; but as they had ruined and distorted the natural beauty of their faces, the Holy Prophet ﷺ was extremely disgusted by that act of theirs. Despite being sent as a mercy, he ﷺ said, ‘May you be ruined.’

Sunnah and Beard in Islam

The following are A few sayings of the beloved Prophet ﷺ about the beard and Sunnah.

• Trim your mustaches very short and let your beards grow and do not make your face like that of the Jews. ^[9]Sharah Maani Al-Asar, vol. 4, pp. 28
• The one who adopts my Sunnah is mine and the one who turns his face away from my Sunnah is not mine. ^[10]Kanz-ul-‘Ummal, vol. 8, pp. 116, Hadis 22749
• The one who does not act upon my Sunnah is not from me. ^[11]Sunan Ibn Majah, vol. 2, pp. 406, Hadis 1846

You still have a chance. Repent immediately. Grow a first-length beard showing a sign of devotion to the Beloved and Blessed Prophet ﷺ from your face.

The Summary of Beard in Islam

The beard holds significant importance in Islam, representing a visible manifestation of religious devotion and cultural identity. Its historical context, religious interpretations, and practical implications provide Muslims with a comprehensive understanding of its significance. By growing and maintaining a beard in accordance with Islamic teachings, Muslim men can embrace this aspect of their faith with reverence and contribute to the rich tapestry of Islamic traditions. Ultimately, the decision to grow a beard is a personal one, reflecting an individual’s commitment to Islam and their understanding of its teachings.