Concerning Adherence to the Sunnah in the Holy Qur'n: "O ye who believe!

Obey Allh, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you." [Holy Qur'n 4:59] "O ye who believe! Obey Allh and His Messenger, and turn not away from him when ye hear (him speak)." [Holy Qur'n 8:20] "O ye who believe! give your response to Allh and His Messenger, when He calleth you to that which will give you life; and know that Allh cometh in between a man and his heart, and that it is He to Whom ye shall (all) be gathered." [Holy Qur'n 8:24] "Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allh an excellent exempler for him who hopes in Allh and the Final Day, and who remembers Allh." [Holy Qur'n 33:21] "What Allh has bestowed on His Messenger (and taken away) from the people of the townships,belongs to Allh,- to His Messenger and to kindred and orphans, the needy and the wayfarer; in order that it may not (merely) make a circuit between the wealthy among you. So take what the Messenger gives you, and refrain from what he prohibits you. And fear Allh: for Allh is strict in Punishment." [Holy Qur'n 59:7] Importance of the Beard in the Words of Rasulullah : Rasulullah (SallAllhu Alayhi Wasallam) said "I have no connection with one who shaves, shouts and tears his clothing eg. in grief or affication." - Reported by Abu Darda (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 501 The teachings of Hadhrat Ammar Bin Yaasir, Abdullah Ibn Umar, Sayyidina Umar, Abu Hurairah and Jaabir (R.A.), indicate that ALL used to keep beards that were one fist length or more. Hadhrat Jaabir (R.A.) had said: "We used to grow long beards and only during Hajj and Umrah did we trim them to the required length (i.e. fist length)." Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (R.A.) relates that: "He who imitates the kuffar (non-believers) and dies in that state, he will be raised up with them on the Day of Qiymat (Judgement)." Rasulullah (SallAllhu Alayhi Wasallam) says: "Trim closely the moustache, and let the beard flow (Grow)." - Narrated Ibn Umar (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 498 "Rasulullah (SallAllhu Alayhi Wasallam) ordered us to trim the moustache closely and spare the beard" says Ibn Umar. - Muslim, Hadith no. 449 Rasulullah (SallAllhu Alayhi Wasallam)said: "Act against contrary to the polythesists, trim closely the moustache and grow the beard." - Reported by Ibn Umar (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 500

Rasulullah (SallAllhu Alayhi Wasallam) said "Trim closely the moustache and grow the beard." - Reported by Abu Hurairah (R.A.) in Muslim, Hadith no. 501 Rasulullah (SallAllhu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "Anyone who shaves has no claim to the mercy of Allh" - Reported by Ibn Abbas (R.A.) in Tibrabi Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (R.A.) used to cut that portion (which exceeds the grip of the hand) of the beard.- Tirmidhi The Beard according to the Great Imms of Jurisprudence HANAFI Imam Muhammed (R.A.) writes in his book "Kitabul Aathaar" where he relates from Imam Abu Hanifa (R.A.) who relates from Hadhrat Haytham (R.A.) who relates from Ibn Umar (R.A.) that he (Ibn Umar) used to hold his beard in his hand and cut off which was longer. Imam Muhammed (R.A.) says that this is what we follow and this was the decision of Imam Abu Hanifa. Therefore, according to Hanafis, to shorten the beard less than a FIST LENGTH is HARAAM and on this is IJMA' (concensus of opinion). ASH-SHAFI' Imam Ash-Shafi' (R.A.) in his Kitabul Umm states, "To shave the beard is HARAAM." (Shari Minhaj dar Shara Fasl Aqeeqa). MALIKI Shekh Ahmad Nafarawi Maliki in the commentary of Imam Abu Zayed's booklet states, "to shave the beard is without doubt haraam according to all Imams." It is also mention in "Tamheed" which is a commentary of "al-Muwatta" (Sunnan Imam Malik (R.A.)) that to shave the beard is HARAAM and among males the only ones to resort to this practice (of shaving) are the HERMAPHRODITES (persons who possess both male and female features and characteristics). HANBALI The Hanbalis in the famous Al-Khanie'a Hanbali Fatawa Kitab state that "to grow the beard is essential and to shave it is HARAAM." Also in the Hanbali Mathab books "Sharahul Muntahaa" and "Sharr Manzoomatul db", it is stated "The most accepted view is that it is HARAAM (prohibited) to shave the beard."

Also note, according to scholars of Islam: "To shave off the beard is haraam (unlawful) and one who shaves his beard is, legally speaking, FASIQ (sinner); hence, it is NOT PERMISSIBLE to appoint such a man as an Imam. To say Taraweeh behind such an Imam is MAKRUH-E-TAHRIMI (near prohibition)" (Shami Vol.1, p.523) The Durre-Mukhtar states: "No one has called it permissible to trim it (the beard) less than FISTLENGTH as is being done by some westernized Muslims and hermaphrodites." (Vol. 2, p. 155). Also, "It is forbidden (haraam) for a man to cut off another's beard." (Vol. 5, p. 359).

CONCLUSION Thus, a Muslim who shaves or shortens his beard is like a hermaphrodite, his Imamate near prohibition, his evidence is not valid, he will not have the right to vote or being voted for. Shaving and shortening the beard is the action of non-believers. Imam Ghazzali (RA) says: "Know that the key to total bliss (Saadah) lies in following the Sunnah and in emulating the life of Rasulullah (SallAllhu Alayhi Wasallam) in ALL that issues from him, and in ALL his doings even if it concerns the manner of his eating, rising, sleeping, and speaking. I do say thisin relation to rituals in worship ONLY because ther is no way neglecting the Sunnah reported of him in such matters - but what I say INCLUDES EVERY ASPECT of his daily life." (Kitab al Arbain Addin, Cairo 1344, p. 89). Furthermore, in the Holy Qur'n, Allh told Rasulullah (SallAllhu Alayhi Wasallam) to say: "Say: "If ye do love Allh, Follow me: Allh will love you and forgive you your sins: For Allh is OftForgiving, Most Merciful." [Holy Qur'n 3:31] The daily recitation of a band of angels of Allh is "Holy is the Being who adorned men with beards and women with braids" (Takmela e Bahr al Raiq, Vol. 3, p. 331) Lastly, Allh Ta'ala says in the Holy Qur'n: "And when the true believers are called to Allh and His Rasul (SallAllhu Alayhi Wasallam) [to accept and practice the law and commands of Allh and His Rasul (SallAllhu Alayhi Wasallam)] that he may pass judgement upon them, their ONLY reply is 'We hear and obey.' Such men shall surely prosper." [24:51] THE CALL IS TO GROW A FIST LENGTH BEARD, LET US HEAR AND OBEY TO PROSPER.

Abu Hudhayfa: AsSalam o alaikum Warehmatullah Wabarakatuh. Arab Saying:

The Beard is a order of Rasulullah [Wajib] Narrated Nafi' (Radhiallaahu n) "Ibn Umar (Radhiallaahu n) said, The Prophet said, "Do the opposite of what the pagans do. Keep the beards and cut the moustaches short." [Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 72, Hadith # 780] Yahya related to me from Malik from Abu Bakr ibn Nafi from his father Nafi from Abdullah ibn Umar (Radhiallaahu n) that the Messenger of Allah, ordered the moustache to be trimmed and the beard to be left. [Imaan malik's Muwatta Book 51, Hadith # 51.1.1] It is clear from the stated ahadith that growing the beard is not only a practice (Sunnah) of Rasulullah but also a command for the Muslims in follow (Wajib). Narrated Aisha (Radhiallaahu nha): Rasulullah said: Ten things are part of the fitrah: cutting the moustache, letting the beard grow, cleaning the teeth with a siwak, rinsing the nose with water, cutting one s nails, washing between the finger-joints, plucking the armpit hairs, shaving the pubic hair and cleaning one s private parts with water." [Reported by Imaan Muslims in his Sahih Book 2, Hadith # 0502, also reported by Imaam Ahmad, Muslim and the four authors of Sunan ] This hadith further emphasizes the importance of letting you beard grow for a man, as being from the natural guidance (Fitrah) of the human being. At Tabari reported in a hadith that Kaiser, the King of Persia, after having read the letter sent by the Rasulullah inviting him to accept the faith of Islam, ordered his sub-ordinate Bayon (Badhun), the governor of Yemen, to send two persons to bring the Prophet of Islam before him. Bayan accordingly sent two messengers who according to the fashion of those days were clean shaven and having long moustaches. When they appeared on the scene toward the Rasulullah , he very much disliked the unnatural appearances of those persons and said; "Woe to you, Woe to you. Who ordered you to adopt such appearances? They said; "Our lord Kaiser". Rasulullah then told them "My Rabb COMMANDED me to lengthen my beard and clip my moustaches". [Recorded by Ibn Jarir At-Tabari, and judged to be Hasan (good) by Shaikh Albaani.] SubhanAllah here Rasulullah disliked even looking at a man who has gone against the natural ways and shaved the Beard, while keeping a long moustache. Those of us who shave the beard and keep long moustaches while calling ourselves follower and lovers of Rasulullah should think, would we like Him to be disgusted with us due to this mutilation of the unnatural appearances (Fitrah)? This hadith also makes a point in showing that Rasulullah was ordered by Allah to trim his moustache and grow the beard. This hadith is a refutation for those who claim that growing the beard was a custom of the Arabs and indeed this is an order of Allah upon Rasulullah and an order upon the Muslims by Rasulullah .

Allah orders us in the Quran to obey the order of Rasulullah "Make not the calling of the Messenger among you as your calling of one another. Allah knows those of you who slip away under shelter. And let those who oppose the Messenger's commandment (i.e. his Sunnah legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements, etc.) beware, lest some Fitnah (afflictions) befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them." [Quran, Surah #24 Ayah #63] Allah has made clear that those who oppose the Sunnah of Rasulullah are headed for the punishment of Allah. "And whatever the Prophet gives you, accept it and whatever he forbids you, abstain (from it)" [Quran, Surah #59 Ayah #7] "The Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His books, and His messengers. "We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His messengers." And they say: "We hear ,and we obey: (we seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys." [Quran, Surah #2 Ayah #285] "And obey Allah and the Messenger; that ye may obtain mercy." [Quran, Surah #3 Ayah #132] " O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and make not vain your deeds!" [Quran, Surah #47 Ayah #33] "Those are limits set by Allah. those who obey Allah and His Messenger will be admitted to Gardens with rivers flowing beneath, to abide therein (for ever) and that will be the supreme achievement." [Quran, Surah #4;Ayah #13] "In the Messenger of Allah is a good example for you to follow." [Quran Surah#33 Ayah #21] "So set you (O Muhammad ) your face towards the religion of pure Islamic Monotheism Hanifa (worship none but Allah Alone) Allah's Fitrah (i.e. Allah's Islamic Monotheism), with which He has created mankind. No change let there be in Khalqillah (creation of Allah) , that is the straight religion, but most of men know not." [Quran, Surah #30Ayah #30] [Tafsir AtTabar, Vol 21, Page 41] The Beard is from the Sunnah of Rasulullah Narrated Ibn 'Umar (Radhiallaahu n) "Rasulullah said, "Cut the moustaches short and leave the beard (as it is)." [Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 72, Hadith #781] Jaabir (Radhiallaahu n) reported that Rasulullah used to have a large beard [Sahih Muslim]. Narrated AbuHurayrah (Radhiallaahu n) "Rasulullah said "Trim closely the moustache, and grow beard, and thus act against the fire-worshippers." [Sahih Muslim, Book 2, Hadith # 0501]

Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (Radhiallaahu n): Rasulullah said, "There will emerge from the East some people who will recite the Quran but it will not exceed their throats and who will go out of (renounce) the religion (Islam) as an arrow passes through the game, and they will never come back to it unless the arrow, comes back to the middle of the bow (by itself) (i.e., impossible)." The people asked, "What will their signs be?" He said, "Their sign will be the habit of shaving (of their beards)." [Sahih Al-Bukhari 9:651] [Fateh Al-Bari, Page 322, Vol. 17th] Opinions of the Sahabah about the beard Imaam Ibn AbdulBarr (Rahimahullah) Said "If is forbidden to shave the beard, only the effeminate do so." And Umar Bin Al-Khattab (Radhiallaahu n) and Umar Bin AbdulAziz (Radhiallaahu n) both did not accept the testimony of a person who shaved his beard. [Quoted in At-Tarikh bu Ibn Asakir] All 4 Maddhahib agree (Ijmaa) upon the importance of keeping a beard Ash Shaikh Muhammad Al-Jibaly writes: All the `ulamaa of as-Salaf , including the Four Imams, agreed that shaving the beard is haram (prohibited). They considered shaving it an impermissible mutilation, as has been reported about Umar bin Abdil-Aziz. They used to consider the person who shaved his beard effeminate. Many of them would not accept his witness or allow him to lead the prayers. [The beard between the Salaf and Khalaf] Imaam Ibn Hazm (Rahimahullah) reported that there was scholarly consensus (Ijmaa) that it is an obligation to trim the moustache and let the beard grow. He quoted a number of ahadith as evidence, including the hadith of Ibn Umar (Radhiallaahu n) and the hadith of Zayd ibn Arqam (Radhiallaahu n) in which Rasulullah said: Whoever does not remove any of his moustache is not one of us." [Classed as Sahih by At-Tirmidhi]. Ibn Hazm said in al-Furoo : This is the way of our colleagues [i.e., the Hanbalis]." Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahimahullah) and the Ahnaaf Imam Muharnmed (Rahimahullah) writes in his book "Kitabul Aathaar" where he relates from Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahimahullah) who relates from Hazart Haytham (Rahimahullah) who relates from Ibn Umar (Radhiallaahu n) that he (Ibn Umar) used to hold his beard in his hand and cut off which was longer. Imam Muhammed (Rahimahullah) says that this is what we follow and this was the decision of Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahimahullah). (From one of the most authentic books of Hanafi Fiqh "Kitabul Aathaar" with direct quotes from Imaam Abu Hanifah) Imaam Ibn Abidayn (Rahimahullah) said: "It is prohibited for a man to cut his beard." [Recorded in Radd-ul-Muhtar Vol. #2 Page #418]

In the book Durre Mukhtar it is stated "To trim the beard when it is less than a fist s length, as done by some western people and hermaphrodites is not permissible in the opinion of all the jurists. To shave the beard as done by the Jews, Hindus and others is also not permissible." The well known hanafi scholar Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (Rahimahullah) writes, "It is an unanimous verdict for the Ummah that to shorten the beard less than a grip of the hand is (Haraam) forbidden!".

Imaam Malik (Rahimahullah) and the Malikiyyah

Al-Adwi said "It has been reported from Imaam Malik that he hated shaving anything under the jaws, until he said, 'It is from the doings of the fire worshipers (Magians). And it is prohibted (Haraam) to remove the hair of the beard." [Sharh-ur-Risalah with commentary by Al-Adwi] Shaikh Ahmad Nafarawi Maliki in the commentary of Imam Abu Zayed's booklet states, "to shave the beard is without doubt haraam according to all Imaams", it is also mentioned in 'Tamheed' which is a commentary of "Muwatta" Sunnan Imam Malik (Rahimahullah) that to shave the beard is haraam and among males the only ones to resort to this (practice) are the HERMAPHRODITES! [From the book "At-Tamheed"] It is also recorded Kitab-ul- Ib dah [Book containing maliki Fiqh] To shave the beard is haraam and to trim it in such a manner that it changes one s natural and normal facial features (Less than a fist) is also haraam. And that without doubt the four Madhhabs are agreed that the beard should be lengthened and that shaving it is haraam. [From the book "Kitab-ul-Ib dah"] Abu Al-Hasan quotes "Shaving the beard is prohibited, as is cutting it if it causes a (clear) mutilation. But if it becomes oversized, and if cutting it would not appear as a mutilation, then it may be cut; but that would be disliked and contary to that which is better." [Sharh-ur-Risalah]

Imaam Ash-Shafi'ee (Rahimahullah) and the Shafiyyah Imam Shafi (Rahimahullah) in his Al-Umm states, "To shave the beard is HARAAM". [Al-Umm] Imaam Ibn Ar rifaah (Rahimahullah) quoting from Imaam Shafi (Rahimahullah) It is quoted in Al Ibaab , that Imaam Ibn Ar rifaah says that Imaam Shafi, has categorically stated that shaving the beard is haram. (From the book "Al Ibaab") Al-Athru'i (Rahimahullah)says that the correct position in the Shafi'ee maddhab is that to shave the beard without a valid medical reason is haraam. Similar verdict of prohibition has been issued by Zarakhshi, Baihaqi in his book, Shu ab Al Iman, and by his teacher Qa ffal Shashi in Muhasin As

Shar iyyah. [From the book "Shu ab Al Iman"]

Imaam Ahmad Bin Hanbal (Rahimahullah) and the Hannaballah It is mentioned in Al-Insaf, Sharh-ul-Muntaha "The Hanbalis agree with exception that it is prohibited to shave the beard." Shaikh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (Rahimahullah) states the opinion of his maddhab (Hanbali Maddhab) in Al-Ikhtiyarat-ul-Ilmiyyah "It is prohibited to shave the beard." Shaikh As-Saffarini (Rahimahullah) Said "It is agreed in our Maddhab (Hanbali Maddhab) that it is prohibited (Haraam) to shave the beard." [Ghitha-ul-Albab Vol.# 1, page # 376] The Hannaballah in their famous Al-Khan Wa Hanbli Fatawa state that "to grow the beard is essential and to shave it is HARAAM. This is also stated in other famous books of Hanbali fiqh like Sharahul Muntaha' and "Shari Manzoomatul Aadaab." Shaikh Ibn AbdurRahman Al Banna stated "Shaving the beard is strictly haraam. This is in the Hanabli Madhab." [From his book "Fathur Rabbani"] Islamic Scholars emphasis on the beard Shaikhul-Islam Ibn Taimiyah (Rahimahullah) Stated that: "Shaving the beard is HARAAM". [AlIkhtiyarat Al-Ilmiyyah, page 6]. Shaikh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (Rahimahullah) said: The Quran, Sunnah and ijmaa (scholarly consensus) all indicate that we must differ from the kuffaar in all aspects and not imitate them, because imitating them on the outside will make us imitate them in their bad deeds and habits, and even in beliefs, which will result in befriending them in our hearts, just as loving them in our hearts will lead to imitating them on the outside. Al-Tirmidhi reported that Rasulullah said, He is not one of us who imitates people other than us. Do not imitate the Jews and Christians." According to another version reported by Imaam Ahmad Bin Hanbal: Whoever imitates a people is one of them." Ibn Hazm (Rahimahullah) Said "All the scholars of Islam have agreed (Ijmaa)that shaving of the beard is a form of mutilation, which is forbidden. As Allah says in the Quran " No change let there be in Khalqillah (creation of Allah), that is the straight religion, but most of men know not." [Surah #30;Ayah #30] Shaikh Albaani (Rahimahullah) stated: It is not permissible for the Muslim to remove any hair from the beard except what the Lawgiver has allowed. It is reported from one of the companions who narrated the hadith, "Leave the beard and trim the moustaches," 'Abdullah bin 'Umar, that he used

to remove from his beard what was below a fistful. Apart from that, trimming the beard is against the Sunnah, whether or not the man's beard is pleasing to him, and whether or not it is pleasing to others, for all of Allah's creation is handsome, as in the Sahih hadith, where the Prophet saw a man with a long waist-shirt and ordered him to have his izaar halfway up his shins; the man gave the excuse that he had a defect in his ankles, so the Prophet said, "All of Allah's creation is handsome." (Sahih from Imaam Ahmad and others. This phrase is actually of Quran origin see surah Sajdah # 32 verse #7). According to His Wisdom, Allah has differentiated between men and women, created man with a beard and created women without a beard; He did not do this without reason. Shaikh Abu Bakr Al Jazari writes: "One should leave his beard until it fills his face (he has a full beard at least one fist), because the Holy Prophet has ordered, shorten your moustaches and lengthen your beards." Shaikh Muhammad Salih Al-Munajjid states: Shaving the beard is haraam because of the Sahih ahadith that clearly state this, and because of the general application of texts that forbid resembling the kuffar. One of these reports is the hadith of Ibn Umar who said that the Messenger of Allah said: Be different from the mushrikeen: let your beards grow and trim your moustaches." According to another report: Trim your moustaches and let your beards grow." There are other hadith which convey the same meaning, which is to leave the beard as it is and let it grow long, without shaving, plucking or cutting any part of it. [From his web site islam-qa.com] May Allah give us the ability to obey his orders and follow the Sunnah of Rasulullah

Hadees on Beard Sahih Muslim Hadith Hadith 501 Narrated by AbuHurayrah (r.a)

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Trim closely the moustache, and grow beard, and thus act against the fire-worshippers. Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith Hadith 7.780 Narrated by Nafi (r.a)

Ibn Umar (r.a) said: The Prophet (s.a.w.s)said, "Do the opposite of what the pagans do. Keep the beards and cut the moustaches short." Whenever Ibn 'Umar performed the Hajj or 'Umra, he used to hold his beard with his hand and cut whatever moustaches. Ibn Umar (r.a)used to cut his moustache so short that the whiteness of his skin (above the upper lip) was visible, and he used to cut (the hair) between his moustaches and his beard.

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith Hadith 7.781 Narrated by Ibn Umar (r.a)

Allah's Apostle (s.a.w.s) said, "Cut the moustaches short and leave the beard (as it is)." Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith Hadith 7.806 Narrated by Aisha (r.a)

I used to perfume Allah's Apostle (s.a.w.s) with the best scent available till I saw the shine of the scent on his head and hair. Sahih Muslim Hadith Hadith 502 Narrated by Aisha (r.a)

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Ten are the acts according to fitrah: clipping the moustache, letting the beard grow, using the tooth-stick, snuffing up water in the nose, cutting the nails, washing the finger joints, plucking the hair under the armpits, shaving the pubes, and cleaning one's private parts with water. The narrator said: I have forgotten the tenth, but it may have been rinsing the mouth. Running one's fingers through his beard 'Aishah (R.A) reported that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s) would run his fingers through his beard. (Related by Ibn Majah and at-Tirmidhi, who classified it as sahih . ) Anas (r.a) said that when the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s)performed ablution, he would take a handful of water and put it under his jaws and pass it through his beard. He said, "This is what my Lord, Allah, ordered me to do." (Related by Abu Dawud, al-Baihaqi and al-Hakim.)