From the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to scholars and leaders throughout Islamic history, the beard has been a consistent symbol of Islamic identity. But is growing one required for Muslim men today? What if someone can’t grow a full beard? And is trimming or shaving it haram?
This article explores the Islamic guidance on beards with reference to hadith, scholarly opinions, and practical considerations.
What Did the Prophet (PBUH) Say About Beards?
There are multiple authentic hadiths that speak directly about the beard, most notably:
“[Be different from] the polytheists, trim closely the moustache and grow the beard.”
— Sahih Muslim, 259c1
“Let the beard grow and trim the mustache.”
— Sunan an-Nasa’i, 50462
The instruction to “let the beard grow” is widely accepted among scholars as a command of the Prophet (PBUH).
However, scholars have differed on whether this command is obligatory (fard) or highly recommended (sunnah muakkadah).3 Generally, the four major schools — Hanafi, Hanbali, Maliki, and Shafi’i — consider it obligatory,4 though some Shafi’i scholars argue it is highly encouraged but not mandatory.5
Is It a Sin to Shave the Beard?
According to the majority of classical scholars, deliberately shaving the beard without a valid reason is haram, with a minority considering it only disliked (makruh), depending on the school of thought:
- Hanafi and Hanbali scholars consider shaving prohibited and sinful and that to shorten one’s beard less than a fist length is near haram (makruh tahrimi).6
- Maliki scholars also forbid shaving, though they may allow light trimming so long as it doesn’t lead to “disfigurement… like making a man take on the appearance of a woman.”7
- Shafi’i scholars vary, but the officially relied-upon position—affirmed by major scholars like Imam al-Nawawi and Imam al-Rafi’i—is that shaving or trimming the beard is disliked (makruh), but not haram. However, some other scholars within the school do consider it impermissible.8
“…shaving the beard without a valid excuse doesn’t make one an apostate. Rather, it is a sin that requires making repentance and holding on to righteousness. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.”
— Al-Iftaa’ Law (Jordan)9
Despite the firmness of these positions, most scholars distinguish between failing to follow a sunnah and committing a major sin.10
What If You Can’t Grow a Full Beard?
Islam places no burden on a person beyond their capacity (Quran 2:286). This foundational verse reflects a general principle in Islamic law (usul al-fiqh) that accountability is proportionate to capacity.
If a man has patchy facial hair, grows a thin beard, or cannot grow one at all due to genetics or medical reasons, there is no sin or shortcoming in that.
“Allah did not tell you to make your beard big. The Prophet [PBUH] never said that you have to put fertilizers and irrigate it and do this so that it becomes, you know, really huge. No. The Prophet simply said, ‘Honor it,’ meaning always comb it and make it look presentable, and, ‘leave it as it is.’ So, if it’s only a few hairs here and there, leave it.”
— Shaykh Assim al-Hakeem11
The key is intention. If one respects the sunnah and maintains what little facial hair they can, it is a sign of devotion, not deficiency.
Can You Trim the Beard?
Many scholars allow trimming the beard once it exceeds a certain length, usually described as a “fist-length” based on the actions of companions like Ibn Umar (RA):
“Whenever Ibn Umar performed the Hajj or Umra, he used to hold his beard with his hand and cut whatever remained outside his hold.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari, 589212
Thus, trimming within reason is generally permissible. Some scholars also permit keeping the beard at a shorter but still visible length, as long as it clearly distinguishes one as having a beard — not reducing it to a stubble or five-o’clock shadow. This view accommodates cultural variations in what is recognized as a beard while still upholding the spirit of the sunnah.
However, styles that intentionally mimic clean-shaven looks or go against modest presentation are forbidden or, at the very least, disliked.
“…if a person has facial hair that constitutes a beard – when you look at it you think ‘This is a beard’ – then I think that a person has met the bare minimum obligation and they are not sinful for it. I do not think the sharia has a minimum in terms of centimeters… when you see a beard you know what it is.”
— Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi13
Is It About the Beard or the Spirit?
While the beard holds symbolic and spiritual significance in Islam, it should not be a tool for judgment or superiority. As with any sunnah, sincerity and humility matter more than outward form.
“Verily, Allah does not look to your faces or your wealth but He looks to your heart and to your deeds.”
— Sahih Muslim, 2564c14
Summary: The Bottom Line
- The Prophet (PBUH) instructed men to grow the beard and trim the mustache.
- Most scholars consider letting the beard grow obligatory or strongly recommended.
- Shaving the beard is haram according to most schools, though only disliked in a minority view.
- Men who can’t grow beards are not held accountable, but you must still leave what does grow even if it’s only a little.
- Reasonable trimming, especially what grows longer than a fist length, is allowed by most scholars.
- Sincerity, not scruffiness, defines piety.
Relevant Discussions on Beards in Islam
For those looking to explore the topic of beard requirements in Islam further, here are some insightful answers by respected scholars:
- How Long Should One’s Beard Be? {Animated}
Speaker: Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi
- Rulings Related to the Beard & Mustache
Speaker: Shaykh Uthman Ibn Farooq
It’s almost always better to err on the side of caution and simply leave the beard as it naturally grows, but if you have a unique situation or particular question be sure to seek out a trusted scholar in your local community.
Final Thoughts
Growing a beard in Islam is more than a grooming choice — it’s a chance to honor the example of the Prophet (PBUH) and carry a visible sign of faith. But as always in Islam, intention matters. Whether you’re fully bearded or can only grow a few strands, what counts most is your character, worship, and striving for sincerity.
💬 Comments
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References
- Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, Sahih Muslim, Hadith 259c, https://sunnah.com/muslim:259c. ↩︎
- Ahmad an-Nasa’i, Sunan an-Nasa’i, Hadith 5046, https://sunnah.com/nasai:5046. ↩︎
- Ahmad Kutty, “Is Beard Compulsory in Islam?,” AboutIslam.net, 2024, https://aboutislam.net/counseling/ask-the-scholar/morals-manners/is-growing-a-beard-an-obligation-in-islam/. ↩︎
- Muhammad ibn Adam, “Ruling on Growing a Beard and Moustache,” Darul Iftaa (Institute of Islamic Jurisprudence), 2004, https://daruliftaa.com/miscellaneous/ruling-on-growing-a-beard-and-moustache/. ↩︎
- Hamza Karamali, “The Beard in the Shafi`i School,” IslamQA.org, (no date), https://islamqa.org/shafii/qibla-shafii/33408/the-beard-in-the-shafii-school/. ↩︎
- Ebrahim Desai, “Why are we keeping beard?,” AskImam.org, Fatwa #16493, 2008, https://askimam.org/public/question_detail/16493. ↩︎
- Abdullah bin Hamid Ali, “Trimming the Beard,” Maliki Fiqh Q&A, (no date), https://malikifiqhqa.com/qa/trimming-the-beard-shaykh-abdullah-bin-hamid-ali/. ↩︎
- Amjad Rasheed, “What is the Ruling of Shaving and Shortening the Beard in the Shafi’i School?,” Seekers Guidance, 2016, https://seekersguidance.org/answers/shafii-fiqh/ruling-shaving-shortening-beard-shafii-school/. ↩︎
- “Ruling on Shaving and Trimming the Beard,” Al-Iftaa’ Law (Jordan), Fatwa #464, 2010, https://aliftaa.jo/research-fatwa-english/464/Ruling-on-Shaving-and-Trimming-the-Beard. ↩︎
- “Growing the beard after shaving it,” IslamWeb.net, Fatwa #306013, 2015, https://www.islamweb.net/en/fatwa/306013/growing-the-beard-after-shaving-it. ↩︎
- Assim al-Hakeem, “Is it permissible to shave my beard to grow thicker,” assimalhakeem, YouTube video, 2013, https://youtu.be/Nu8SA-Wzoj4. ↩︎
- Muhammad al-Bukhari, Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5892, https://sunnah.com/bukhari:5892. ↩︎
- Yasir Qadhi, “How Long Should One’s Beard Be? {Animated},” YouTube video, 2019, https://youtu.be/hIuJalmo7ng. ↩︎
- Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2564c, https://sunnah.com/muslim:2564c. ↩︎