Beard Discussions

'Sunnah' actually differs in meaning according to which type of scholar is using it or which context it's being used. For example, if scholars of theology use the word 'sunnah', they mean the Aqeedah of ahl al-Sunnah, whereas if the scholars of Usool use it they mean something else, and where scholars of Jurisprudence use it, they mean something else, and if I remember correctly, the earlier scholars of Fiqh used to use 'sunnah' along the same lines as Wajib, and Makrooh used to be used as another word for Haram, so arguing over terminology doesn't make a difference until it's sorted what exactly one intends by using the term.

That being said, the bare minimum for a male is to have hair on his face and cheeks, something that shows that he isn't a woman. To keep it longer is obviously better and preferred and it is well known that the Prophet (saw) had a thick long beard.

And as a reminder, lets not turn this into an issue that causes rifts within ourselves, as the obligation of unity is greater than the obligation of a beard.

That said, to correct some views expressed in this thread, the beard is not merely a 'sunnah' that one may leave or keep at one's own will, rather the early Imaams all considered this to be mandatory.

Shaikh Ahmad an-Nafarawi al-Maliki said in the commentary of Imam Abu Zaid’s Risala,

“To shave the beard is without doubt haram according to all Imams”, it is also mentioned in ‘Tamhid’ which is a commentary of the Muwatta’ of Imam Malik that to shave the beard is haram and among males the only ones to resort to this (practice) are the hermaphrodites. (From the book “at-Tamhid”)

Applying the last line above is obviously erroneous in the context of today (i.e. not everyone that shaves is a hermaphrodite, there are multiple reasons why people choose to shave their beards), but I only wanted to show the importance the early Muslims placed upon the beard. Allaah knows best.

format_quote Originally Posted by T.I.A

^ See that's what I don't believe. Sunnah and waajib are completely different things.

Hijab = Waajib
Niqaab = Sunnah

Covering Awrah (Male) = Waajib
Beard = Sunnah

Anyway, lets not go off topic.

Allah and His Messenger Know best.

Sister, you are speaking without daleel, the Beard is Wajib, its wajib to let it grow, theres no such THING in hadeeth where the prophet Muhammad pbuh said keep it fist length thats made up and i really dont like it when people say that.

Beard=Wajib

format_quote Originally Posted by nebula

Sister, you are speaking without daleel, the Beard is Wajib, its wajib to let it grow, theres no such THING in hadeeth where the prophet Muhammad pbuh said keep it fist length thats made up and i really dont like it when people say that.

Beard=Wajib

Trimming the beard to fist length has a basis akhi, and it comes from the notable Companions (radi allaahu anhum) who we know would never go do something if it was made Haraam by Allaah or His Messenger (saw):

From Marwaan bin Saalim al-Muqaffa’ who said, “I saw ibn Umar grasp his beard and cut off that which had exceeded a fistful.” Reported by Abu Dawood and others with a hasan chain.

From Naafi’ that Abdullah ibn Umar used to finish fasting in Ramadan and he intended to make hajj, then he would not take off any of his hair or beard until he had made hajj. And in another narration that when Abdullah bin Umar used to cut his hair after hajj or umrah he would also take from his beard and moustache. Reported by Maalik in al-Muwataa.

And al-Khalaal reports in “at-Tarajul” (p.11) with a saheeh chain from Mujaahid who said, “I saw ibn Umar grasp his beard on the day of Nahr then he said the cupper, “Take off what is below a fistful.” Al-Baajee said in “Sharh al-Muwattaa”, “meaning that he used to trim form it along with cutting his hair, and Maalik (rahimahullaah) recommended that since trimming it is in a way that does not alter the natural disposition of the creation in terms of beauty…”

Can we get back on topic please?

mine is growing as we speak, I am white and along with brother convert I want people to know I am muslim

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) asked us males to keep a beard in order to differentiate from the mushrikeen:X. Yeah considering today's world, a beard has become a symbol of danger (terrorism, jihad) and a Muslim invites all sorts of dangers by keeping one but especially keeping it today will give us more reward. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said "At times of digression, whoever follows my sunnah will get a reward of 100 martyrs." So the beard is an expression of love for the Prophet.

I know everyone have their own preferences but I like to keep a beard though its just a "goatie"

Lets not impose anything on the sisters and beautify ourselves with our beaards
For some sisters, a close shave is a big turn-off

And on that note, I believe we can close this thread. We must always remember to put our personal preferences aside and give the Qur'an and the Sunnah the utmost importance.

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. [Ahzab: 36]