Hadith Text & Reference

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commanded to clip the moustaches and grow the beard long.

Source: Sunan Abi Dawud 4199 | Book: Combing the Hair (Kitab Al-Tarajjul)

Legal Ruling (Hukm)

This hadith establishes the obligation (wujub) of trimming the moustache and letting the beard grow. The command form indicates obligation according to principles of Islamic jurisprudence.

The beard is defined as the hair that grows on the cheeks and chin. Scholars differ on the minimum required length, with the predominant view being to let it grow naturally without shaving.

Wisdom & Benefits

This practice distinguishes Muslims from non-believers and creates a visible Islamic identity. It follows the natural disposition (fitrah) that Allah created in mankind.

Trimming the moustache maintains cleanliness, as long hairs may interfere with eating, drinking, and purification. The beard preserves masculine appearance as intended by the Creator.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam Nawawi stated: "The sumnah is to trim the moustache and leave the beard to grow. This is the position of the majority of scholars."

Ibn Qudamah wrote: "It is prohibited to shave the beard because it is mutilation and changing Allah's creation without permission."

The command to grow the beard applies to all adult Muslim males, while trimming refers to shortening the moustache hairs so they don't cover the upper lip.