Salaam u 3aleikum Mike

Some people brought up good points about lots of non-Muslims having beards, which could mean that the hadith mentioning not imitating the disbelievers is invalid in this case. I can't tell u if that's true or not because I'm no scholar, but there are people like the Amish (Christian fundamentalists) that wear their beards EXACTLY like Muslims, shaving their mustaches as well.

However, the reason that's always made the most sense to me for growing a beard is that you feel more like a Muslim. For example, if you have a beard, can you imagine going into a bar and asking for a drink? Or stopping a woman on the street and asking for her number? Or even just looking at a pretty girl passing by? It kinda depends on the culture and the place you live, but I know that here in Egypt, men with beards would look really bad if they were doing anything Islamically unlawful. So it kinda keeps you in check.

It's a state of mind, more or less. If you feel like you're at the state that you would be comfortable with it, go for it. If not, then just make the intention to do it eventually and take it at your own pace.

Welcome to Islam!

actually this is an old thread...akhee michael already have a beard.

Salam,

Here u can find good answers:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=beard+islam

Any way what made you turn to islam, just curios.

Thanks:-)
Kay

"Possible" could mean that its one of those things in which you have a choice in doing. Growing a beared is not compulsory, you don't have to if you don't want to. It is somewhat similar to marrying up to 4 wifes....it is referred to be 'sunna'... this means that you will be rewarded if you choose to do such things. Although if I go one about marrying more than one wife that has its rules which are more complicated then growing a beard. good luck

Ive read through this thread and had an interesting thought. What about someone like myself, who had a small beard before conversion (well a goatee really)....should I keep that and continue to grow a beard, or shave it off and grow a new beard as a muslim?

I would think us growing beard was a sign of manhood? - To shave it is womanly? Men should strive from being womanly, even when it comes to material of clothing that can be worn by men :O! Thus maybe thats why its haram that certain clothing cannot be worn by men, hence wajib to keep a beard? Its the only logics I can come up with.

As for distinguishing from disbelievers, what disbelievers exactly? Back in the day, it was common to keep a beard, being believer or not, it is only as we come closer to the modern centuries where its a really highly practiced thing. If you see on the course of time, men GENERALLY did not do so.

^ u wudda smaked it if you added that the first people to shave where gays according to islamic beliefs (the people of Lut Alaihissalaam)

A little late maybe...but I'd like to share two hadeeth Bi'idnillah

Go contrary to the polytheists. Grow beards profusely and trim moustaches. (Bukhari and Muslim)

He who does not trim his moustaches is not one of us. (Mishkat)

Jazakallah khair brother.......

Can you provide proof its optional?


Sunnah/Hadith:

Hadith - Bukhari 7:781, Narrated Ibn 'Umar

Quran:

3:132
And obey Allah and the Messenger; that ye may obtain mercy.

4:42
On that day those who reject Faith and disobey the messenger will wish that the earth were made one with them: But never will they hide a single fact from Allah.

4:64
We sent not a messenger, but to be obeyed, in accordance with the leave of Allah. If they had only, when they were unjust to themselves, come unto thee and asked Allah's forgiveness, and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah indeed Oft-returning, Most Merciful.

4:80
He who obeys the Messenger, obeys Allah. But if any turn away, We have not sent thee to watch over them.

24:56
So establish regular prayer and give Zakaat; and obey the Messenger. that ye may receive mercy.

*33:36*
It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger to have any option about their decision: if any one disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong Path.

59:7
...So take what the Messenger gives you, and refrain from what he prohibits you. And fear Allah: for Allah is strict in Punishment.

All men used to have beard before the People of Lut a.s. came along. The very first people to shave their beards were the people of Lut a.s. They were gay, so they shaved their beards to look like women.

One time a group of men came to the Prophet (saws) and they had their beards shaved and grown mustache, prophet s.a.w. turn away in disgust (of their sight), they looked like clowns. He s.a.w.s commanded us to grow the beard and trim the mustache. Sadly much of the muslim world does the opposite, way to follow the sunnah!

Many people have beards today, our command is to trim the mustache so we stand out as different and not as one of the mushikeen.

Sorry about the missing posts, but it is not wise for us to makes a statement of Tasfir unless we are recognised scholars and can show authentic proof. It is also not wise to reply to such posts.