The Book of Adornment - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5226

"Trim the mustache and let the beard grow."

Commentary on the Prophetic Command

This noble hadith establishes two fundamental practices of the prophetic sunnah regarding facial hair. The command to trim the mustache ensures cleanliness and prevents food and drink from being contaminated, while letting the beard grow distinguishes Muslims from the practices of non-believers.

Scholars have differed regarding the ruling of growing the beard. The majority consider it wajib (obligatory) based on the imperative form "let grow," while others regard it as mustahabb (recommended). The mustache should be trimmed short enough that it does not cover the upper lip or interfere with eating and drinking.

This distinction in appearance serves as an outward manifestation of Islamic identity and obedience to the Prophet's teachings. The beard should be left to grow naturally without excessive trimming or shaping, though it may be neatened if it becomes unruly.

Juridical Rulings

According to the Hanafi, Maliki, and Hanbali schools, growing the beard is obligatory (fard or wajib) for men. The Shafi'i school considers it strongly recommended (sunnah mu'akkadah).

Shaving the beard without valid medical reason is considered impermissible by the majority of scholars, as it constitutes changing Allah's creation and opposing the clear command of the Prophet.