THE BEARD:

What does Sunnah mean?

Sunnah means principle. According to the Shari’ah, when we say Sunnah, we mean the principle of our beloved Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam).

Sunnah Muakkadah

A principle: (1) that our Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) has practiced regularly, (2) that he has never neglected except in cases where it was necessary, (3) that he ordered his Ummah to put into practice, and (4) that the Ummah has received it from a source which has a certain percentage of reserve - then, such a principle is called Sunnah Muakkadah or Sunnat-ul-Huda.

Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah

On the other hand, a principle, which Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) has practiced regularly but at times, he has also neglected it without any obligation, is called Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah.

Neglecting a Sunnah Muakkadah

To neglect a Farz or Waajib is a sin. Similarly, neglecting a Sunnah Muakkadah also is a sin. However, the sin that one gets by neglecting a Farz or a Waajib is graver than the sin that one gets by neglecting a Sunnah Muakkadah. Nonetheless, neglecting a Sunnah Muakkadah becomes a sin when one makes it a habit to neglect it. On the other hand, neglecting a Farz or a Waajib once only, suffices to make one become sinful.

Therefore, a person, who neglects a Farz or a Waajib or makes it a habit to neglect a Sunnah Muakkadah, is a Faasiq (sinner). The Shahaadah (testimony) of a Faasiq is not accepted according to the Shari’ah.

Not keeping a beard

To keep a beard, in addition to it being a Sunnah (principle) of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), also holds the status of being a "Shi'ar" (symbol) of Islam. According to the Ulama, no one among the "Mujtahideen" has authorised to shorten the beard when it is less than the length of a fist. That is, it is Waajib to let the beard grow until it becomes a fist-length. When it becomes longer than a fist-length, one may cut what is surplus. So, the one, who does not keep a beard or keeps the beard less than a fist-length, is a Faasiq according to the Shari’ah. His testimony is not accepted because from the Islamic point of view, he is not a trustworthy person. However, this is not a reason to underestimate a brother who does not keep a beard and these few lines should not be regarded as an insult to those who do not practice it. He may not be keeping a beard due to not knowing its importance and its necessity in Islam. Therefore, it is the duty of the one who knows, to advise those who do not know. It is a way of being sincere to a Muslim brother in order to warn him of anything that may cause him harm. One should take these few lines from the perspective of wishing the well-being of another brother.

A beard which is less than a fist-length

A person, whose beard is less than a fist-length, must make more effort in order to make it reach the length of a fist. If, at present, he does not have the willpower to do so, he should not trim the amount of beard that he is already keeping. This quantity also deserves to be appreciated in the sense that it is the beginning of the end which is recommended. Therefore, although the beard of the person which is less than a fist-length, does not meet the requirement of the Sunnah, he should be encouraged so as to make it reach the desired length.

Taqwa and the beard

A person, who keeps a beard, is not necessarily better than a person, who does not keep a beard. Yes, the practice of keeping a beard is better than the practice of not keeping a beard. The practice of keeping a beard forms part of Taqwa. A person, who really has Taqwa, cannot be without the beard. The absence of the beard indicates a lack of Taqwa. A person without a beard cannot be a good "Muttaqui" just as a person cannot become a good Muttaqui merely by keeping a beard. In other words, we can say that a good Muttaqui must keep a beard but someone who has a beard is not necessarily a good Muttaqui.

Comparison

Take the example of two Muslims, whose private lives are unknown to us and no details are available about them. However, one has kept a beard and the other one did not keep a beard. When we compare the two, priority should be given to the one who has kept a beard.

Keeping a beard and committing a sin

Some brothers shave their beard under the pretext that they cannot respect the beard as they are persevering in committing undesirable acts. In such a situation also, the beard should not be shaved. These undesirable acts should be stopped. It is like a person who has stopped taking medication due to not being able to take precaution. This is more harmful for him. Similarly, the beard should not be shaved in such a situation. On the contrary, one must try one’s best to refrain from sin. If the person continues to keep a beard, this will decrease his desire to commit sin to the extent that he may put an end to it. This is just as it was narrated in Musnad Ahmad by Hazrat Abu Hurairah (Radiyallahu Anhu) that a person had asked Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) regarding a person who performs Salah at night but steals in the morning. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied:

"The Ibaadat that he does, will prevent him from committing this evil deed very soon."

[English version of "La barbe" – Al Jamiat – Vol.1 No.6]