The Status of the Beards in Islam
The Status of the Beards
in Islam
Compiled By
Muhammad Gaffer Ibn Abdul Goffur
In The Name of Allah,
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
And your Lord said: "Invoke Me, [i.e. believe in My Oneness (Islamic Monotheism)] (and ask Me for anything) I will respond to your (invocation). Verily! Those who scorn My worship [i.e. do not invoke Me, and do not believe in My Oneness, (Islamic Monotheism)] they will surely enter Hell in humiliation!"
[Surah Ghafir 40:60]
Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generations after generations. Is there any ilah (god) with Allah? Little is that you remember!
[Surah An-Naml 27:62]
The Amir al-Mu'minin Abu Hafs 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra) said:
"I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, 'Actions are only by intentions, and each man has only that which he intends. Whoever's emigration is for Allah and His Messenger, then his emigration is for Allah and His Messenger. Whoever's emigration is for some worldly gain which he can acquire or a woman he will marry, then his emigration is for that which he emigrates."
[al-Bukhari & Muslim]
Mentioned With / Transliteration / MeaningAllah's Name / Subhanahu wa ta'ala / He is exalted above weakness and indignity
Allah's Name / 'Azza wa-Jal / He is exalted and glorified
Allah's Name / Jalla Jalaluh / Exalted is His glory
Prophet Muhammad / Salla 'Llahu 'alayhi wa sallam / May Allah's peace and blessings be on him
Prophets and Angels / 'Alayh is-Salam / Peace be on him
A Male Companion / Radiya 'Llahu 'anhu / May Allah be pleased with him
A Female Companion / Radiya 'Llahu 'anha / May Allah be pleased with her
Two Companion / Radiya 'Llahu 'anhuma / May Allah be pleased with them
More Than Two Companions / Radiya 'Llahu 'anhum / May Allah be pleased with them
A Past Scholar or Righteous Muslim / Rahimahu 'Llah / May Allah have mercy on him
Acknowledgement
All Praise and thanks be to Allah! We praise and thank Him, ask Him for His Help and Forgiveness, and we seek refuge in Allah from the evils of our souls and the mischief of our deeds. He whom Allah guides will not be misled, and he whom Allah misleads will never have a guide. I testify that there is no deity but Allah alone, without any partners, and that Muhammad is His 'Abd (worshiper) and Messenger.
Putting together a work of this nature is a monumental task that obviously takes more effort than that of a translator and editor. As is always, to mention all those who aided me with their various input would be an equally lengthy task. But, of course, a few people stand out for their significant commitment in making this book a success. Special thanks to my Parents, Wife & Khayer Uncle.
Of course, first and last, all praise and thanks are due to Allah (SWT), may He (AWJ) forgive us for any mistakes and show us the right path. Aameen.
Muhammad Gaffer Ibn Abdul Goffur
September 21, 2014
Introduction
Islam is a religion of complete blessings to the entire mankind. Allah, Exalted be He, has chosen Islam as a religion for the mankind and He blessed this religion with His complete favours. It is mentioned in the Noble Qur'an, as Allah, Exalted be He, says:
"This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. But as for him who is forced by severe hunger, with no inclination to sin (such can eat these above-mentioned meats), then surely, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." Al-Qur'an 5:3
Allah, Exalted be He, completed His Favour upon us, and chosen Islam for our religion, divine light for the success in this world and to the Hereafter. Part of the Favours of the All-Mighty is that He has sent down a Noble man, Muhammad as a Prophet[peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], as a teacher to the entire mankind and as a blessings to all the world. Allah, Exalted be He, mentioned in the Noble Qur'an, saying:
"And We have sent you (O Muhammad ﷺ) not but as a mercy for the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)." Al-Qur'an 21:107
It is impossible to imagine Allah's blessings and favours that bestowed upon the entire mankind. One of the greatest blessings of the All-Mighty, Exalted be He, is the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. He, (ﷺ) is the best creation of the All-Mighty, All-Wise, He was sent down with the guidance of divine revelation, Qur'an and Sunnah to guide the mankind from darkness to light. He (ﷺ) fulfilled his all duties in the best manners which was given by the All-Mighty to teach the mankind everything that may lead them to the eternal success in this life and the Hereafter.
Guidance has two wings according to the Qur'an. Among those two wings, one of the guidance is to show One the ways to get the exact destinations. Allah, Exalted be He, saying in the Noble Qur'an:
"He it is Who sent among the unlettered ones a Messenger (Muhammad ﷺ) from among themselves, reciting to them His Verses, purifying them (from the filth of disbelief and polytheism), and teaching them the Book (this Quran, Islamic laws and Islamic jurisprudence) and Al-Hikmah (As-Sunnah: legal ways, orders, acts of worship, etc. of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ). And verily, they had been before in manifest error." Al-Qur'an 62:2
And another way of guidance which is the vital one whichonly belongs to the All-Mighty, All-Wise alone. Prophet (ﷺ) was the blessed teacher who taught us everything according to the Divine Revelation Qur'an and Sunnah to show the ways for eternal success in both worlds, But spiritual guidance belongs to the All-Mighty, Exalted be He, and It is He (Alone) who decides, and He guides whosoever He wills. Allah exalted be He, saying in the Noble Qur'an:
"Not upon you (Muhammad ﷺ) is their guidance, but Allah guides whom He wills. And whatever you spend in good, it is for yourselves, when you spend not except seeking Allah's Countenance. And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged." Al-Qur'an 2:272
Spiritual guidance solely belongs to the All-Mighty and for that we are commanded to strive and ask to the All-Mighty to guide us through His divine Revelation sent to us by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The All-Mighty, All-Wise saying in the Noble Qur'an:
"As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allah's Religion - Islamic Monotheism). And verily, Allah is with the Muhsinun (good doers)." Al-Qur'an 29:69
It is certain and transparent that the All-Mighty grants those who strive, more [of a share of] direction towards the way of goodness and righteousness. It is also stated in the noble Qur'an that Allah says:
"While as for those who accept guidance, He increases their guidance, and bestows on them their piety." Al-Qur'an 47:17
Muhammad (ﷺ), A blessed Teacher for the entire Mankind
The All-Mighty, All-Wise, has created many kinds of creatures and among His creatures 'Mankind' is the best of the creations. Allah, Exalted be He, granted blessed knowledge to the mankind and thus made mankind superior from other creatures. He, All-Wise, decided to create mankind and place them on this earth, as it is stated in the Noble Qur'an:
"And (remember) when your Lord said to the angels: "Verily, I am going to place (mankind) generations after generations on earth." They said: "Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood, -while we glorify You with praises and thanks (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners) and sanctify You." He (Allah) said: "I know that which you do not know." Al-Qur'an 2:30
With His endless mercy, the Most Merciful, although He placed the mankind on this earth, and placed the generation one after another, but He never left the mankind alone in the darkness and trap of the devils. Allah, Exalted be He, sent one after another guidance [reminder] through his selected Prophet's [peace and blessings of Allah be upon them all] for the mankind to protect them from the devil's traps, and lead the mankind to the eternal success in this world and the Hereafter. Allah, Exalted be He, said:
"O mankind! Verily, there has come to you the Messenger (Muhammad ﷺ) with the truth from your Lord, so believe in him, it is better for you. But if you disbelieve, then certainly to Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth. And Allah is Ever All-Knowing, All-Wise." Al-Qur'an 4:170
It is also stated, Exalted be He, saying in the Noble Qur'an:
"He it is Who sent among the unlettered ones a Messenger (Muhammad ﷺ) from among themselves, reciting to them His Verses, purifying them (from the filth of disbelief and polytheism), and teaching them the Book (this Qur'an, Islamic laws and Islamic jurisprudence) and Al-Hikmah (As-Sunnah: legal ways, orders, acts of worship, etc. of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ). And verily, they had been before in manifest error; And He has sent him (Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) also to others among them (Muslims) who have not yet joined them (but they will come). And He (Allah) is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise." Al-Qur'an 62:2-3
A Prophet comes with the guidance of the All-Mighty. It is undoubtedly a great blessing and favour of the All-Mighty, Exalted be He, that is bestowed upon the chosen one which cannot be achieved or earned otherwise for a common people. Prophets (peace be upon them) tasks are to deliver the messages of the All-Mighty, and guide the mankind to the light. Some of the characteristics of the Prophet's (peace be upon them) are as follows:
- All the Prophets, peace be upon them, are from human beings but receives divine Revelations from the All-Mighty, All-Wise. It is stated in the Noble Qur'an, as saying:
"Say (O Muhammad (ﷺ): I am only a human being like you. It is inspired in me that your Ilah (God) is One Ilah (God - Allah), therefore take Straight Path to Him (with true Faith Islamic Monotheism) and obedience to Him, and seek forgiveness of Him. And woe to Al-Mushrikun (the disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, polytheists, idolaters, etc. - see V.2:105)." Al-Qur'an 41:6
- In general Prophets (peace be upon them) are the best people in their communities as regards morality and intellectual ability are concerned. However, they might commit some mistakes but would not commit a sin from their desires.
- A Prophet is solely authorised to effect changes in certain laws. The religious scholars only expound the law whereas the Prophets (peace be upon them) have the authority to modify the law.
- Some Prophets (peace be upon them) wore distinctive clothing or bore a special mark that identified them as a Prophet.
- Some of the Prophets rank are high than in general, according to the Qur'an they are called Rasul meaning Messengers, those who are granted Divine Books such as Al-Qur'an given to Muhammad, Torah given to Moses, Gospel given to Jesus, peace be upon them all.
Beards- Mandatory or Optional
Allah, Exalted be He, truly showed us His mercy through sending one of His greatest blessings, the best of the creations, Muhammad (ﷺ) as a teacher for the entire mankind. All-Mighty, Exalted be He, never let us alone but sent one after another Prophet to guide us to the truth and amend our errors. All-Mighty had taught everything to His Prophets through the Divine Revelation, similarly, those Prophets (peace be upon them) conveyed the messages of the All-Mighty to the mankind and all that they have been taught through the Divine Revelation, they taught us too for our success in both worlds.
None of the Prophets ever delivered any messages that they disbelieved but they believed at the first place, nor they ever commanded or taught the followers to do something that they never acted upon but they acted upon at the first place more than anyone in the best manners.
It is stated in one occasion that,
"A group of three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet(ﷺ)asking how the Prophet worshipped (Allah), and when they were informed about that, they considered their worship insufficient and said, "Where are we from the Prophet as his past and future sins have been forgiven." Then one of them said, "I will offer the prayer throughout the night forever." The other said, "I will fast throughout the year and will not break my fast." The third said, "I will keep away from the women and will not marry forever." Allah's Apostle came to them and said, "Are you the same people who said so-and-so? By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of Him than you; yet I fast and break my fast, I do sleep and I also marry women. So he who does not follow my tradition in religion, is not from me (not one of my followers)." Bukhari
From the hadith above, it is clearly understandable that the Messenger(ﷺ)was more sincere in the tasks that were prescribed to the rest of the people. If Prophets were commanded to convey a specific task to the mankind through Divine Revelation then they themselves performed the same tasks in the best manners at the first place and at the same time conveyed to others (mankind), and anything that was conveyed by the Prophets are undoubtedly beneficial for this world and the Hereafter for the mankind. To support this, it is stated in the Noble Qur'an, as the All-Mighty, Exalted be He, saying:
"And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad ﷺ) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it) , and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Severe in punishment." Al-Qur'an 59:7
I believe, it is one of the blessings when people accept the goodness when it is reached to them in any means. Accepting the goodness, truth is one of the blessings from the All-Mighty, Exalted be He. Whether is 1400 years back or up-to-today many of the people have rejected the truth to accept, they denied the truth and showed their heel back, although some of they knew or know that the conveyed messages through the Prophets or the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ)from the All-Mighty is true and bright light to enlighten the life of this world and the Hereafter. Let alone the people those who are from other religions, there are still a group of people from the same faith (Islam) who yet choice what to follow and who to reject according to their whims and fancy. There are many people from the Muslims who not just leave the Sunnahs (Optional acts such as charity, nafila salaah, miswak etc) at large but the Fard (Compulsory acts such as Salaah, zakah, Hajj, Saum etc) too at large, whether that may invalidate their own identity (Muslim) or not, for a specific period (i.e., until they repent & leave their bad activities). It is stated in the Noble Qur'an as the All-Mighty, All-Wise saying:
"and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know." Al-Qur'an 2:216
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)is the best of the creations of the Creator, Exalted be He, walked on the face of this earth. And He is the best of the role models that one can ever follow, Muslims and Non-Muslims alike. He was blessed and the Perfection from every angles. It is declared by the All-Mighty, All-Wise, in the Noble Qur'an, as saying:
"And verily, you (O Muhammad ﷺ) are on an exalted standard of character." Al-Qur'an 68:4
And,
"Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad ﷺ) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much." Al-Qur'an 33:21
We are abundantly blessed if we count us a true followers of this Noble man (ﷺ)according to the Qur'an and Sunnah, except only paying lips service.
As being a teacher for his followers included the entire mankind, he (ﷺ)did not leave anything beneficial which were not conveyed and taught to the people of that time (Companions), and also was asked to his followers to convey those messages to the people of the later. It is clearly mentioned in the Prophet's (ﷺ)last sermon on 9th day of Dhul al Hijjah, 10 A.H. in the 'Valley of Mount Arafat,
"All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness O God, that I have conveyed your message to your people."
The Prophet (ﷺ)had both perfection of features and perfection of manners. His physical appearances was described in details by his Companions.