Beard

The many benefits of keeping a beard have been recorded in the kitaabs (books). Briefly, every nation and religion has some special distinguishing mark or symbol. Similarly different departments of a government also have distinguishing signs. The police have their own uniform, traffic officers a different uniform, and so too with the army and the naval forces. These differences makes an important effect on a person. History has proven that a nation which does not adhere to its distinguishing features finally loses its entire identity and dissolves with another nation.

When Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) came to the world, Kufr (disbelief in Islam - monotheism) and Shirk (worshipping more than one god) was common everywhere. The Mushrikeen (idolaters) had their own customs and rituals. Through Islaam, Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) prepared a nation who were completely different from all other nations. They followed Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in every way - from Ibaadat (worshipping) and etiquettes right down to their outward appearance, attire and dress, according to the Quraanic injunction:

"Assuredly there is an excellent example (pattern) for you in the Rasul (Messenger) of Allah(Sallallahu alahi wasallam)." [Surah Ahzaab No: 21] Similarly Allaah Ta'aala has mentioned to the Ummat via Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam):

"Say O Muhammed, (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam), if you have love for Allaah then follow me." [Ale Imran No 31] Following Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) means to tread on his path. From the above Aayat, it becomes apparent that the Qur'aan has given an order to this Ummat to follow the lifestyle, ways and outward appearance of Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) which he has ordered. There are many more verses mentioned in the Qur'aan regarding this.

by Fazlur Rahmaan Azmi

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Articles

Status of Beard in Islam
The Beard in Selected Hadeeths
Selected Fatawa on the Beard