By Shaikh Zakariyah Kandahlawi
PUBLISHERS FOREWORD:
'We begin by praising Allah, and-conferring blessings to His noble Rasul (Sallaho
Alaihe Wassallam).
It was a long felt need that the English speaking Muslim community, which
has rapidly increased; especially in the United Kingdom, Europe and many
African countries should be supplied with authentic Islamic literature.
Since many of these Muslims are residing in Western countries they face a
multitude of problems to be able to maintain and practice a sound Islamic
life.
This is a translation of the booklet 'Daarhi ka Wujoob' written by
Shaikhul Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariya Khandhalwi (may Allah grant him
long life), which will Insha Allah contribute to, and assist many who
desire to uphold Islamic symbols in an anti Islamic environment. This
booklet emphasizes one very important facet of preserving Islamic values.
The Islamic view point on the fashion conscious world as regards the
attire and mode to be adopted by Muslims at all times; and the exhibiting
of an Islamic appearance is extremely important, especially in non-Muslim
countries where assimilation could lead to rapid degeneration, absorption
and ultimate obliteration of Islamic values.
True love demands that you do everything, as your beloved would like to
see it. To please Allah and His beloved Rasulullah (pbuh) an earnest and
sincere effort must be made to carry out as much as possible of the
revealed teachings, and not follow the whims, fancies and fantasies of
misguided men, and misleading Shaytaan.
May Allah grant us all the towfeeq, strength of conforming and courage to
practice Islam as taught by Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam), and
uphold his divine way. --Aameen.
COMPULSION OF GROWING THE BEARD:
The importance of growing a beard according to the Ahaadith of Rasulullah
(Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) and the teachings of the Fuqahaa (Jurists), and
the pious spiritual leaders is recorded herein. It has been explained that
the growing of the beard was a Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe
Wassallam). It was also the way and the Sunnah of all other Ambiya A.S.
A concise and authentic thesis on re-establishing the Sunnah of Rasulullah
(Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) and all the prophets of Allah.
'Say (O. Muhammad) if you wish to love Allah, follow me; Allah will surely
love you'.
Al-Qur'an.
By Shaikh Maulana Muhammad Zakariya,
(Shaikhul-Hadith, Mazaahirul-Uloom, Saharanpur, INDIA).
AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION:
During my journey to India this year 1395 Hijri l noticed something
strikingly new. This humble servant left Jeddah for India on Wednesday
28th Rajab, 1395 - 6th August 1975, and reached Bombay on the same day. I
had planned to stay in Bombay for two or three days. On reaching Bombay I
learnt that Maulana In'aamul Hasan Saheb was about to leave for Malir
Kotla for the purpose of Tabligh. He had written to our associates that
Zakariya should not stop over in Bombay for too long and for this reason I
stayed in Bombay for one day only and left for Delhi on Friday. After one
nights stay, Maulana In'aamul Hasan Saheb departed for Malir Kotla and I
proceeded to Saharanpur. The return from Saharanpur this year was through
the border post instead of the usual air journey. On the 2nd Zil Qadah
(according to the date in India) on the morning of Friday we reached the
border post. The Tablighi Ijtima of Pakistan commenced on Saturday and
lasted for three days. After making several other calls in Pakistan I
returned to Mecca on the 12th Zil Qadah - 21st, November.
During this stay in Saharanpur, I was quite unusually infuriated with the
question of the beard. I personally had noticed, and many friends close to
me pointed out that I never took such a relentless stand before. I was
enraged whenever I saw a person who shaved his beard and I denounced this
act in every gathering. While performing the Bay'at too, I admonished in
very strong terms the prohibition of shaving the beard. I could not
determine the cause of this strong feeling towards this Sunnah except that
I had noticed that more people were neglecting this Sunnah and that
recently admonishment in this matter was dwindling. The late Maulana
Husain Ahmad Madani (may Allah's mercy be upon him) during his last three
or four years denounced the shaving of the beard very strongly. Whenever I
observed a person who by shaving his beard chooses the appearance other
than that of Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam), I visualise that if
this person has to die in this state - and the moment of death is not
known to anyone - then when he is placed in his grave he will first be
shown the countenance of Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam). How will
this Muslim then be able to face Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam)
when his appearance is contradictory to what it should have been. It also
often came to my mind that there are many major sins, viz; adultery,
sodomy, consuming of intoxicants and usury etc. The offender in these is
only transgressing while actually carrying out that evil act. Rasulullah (Sallaho
Alaihe Wassallam) has said;
'When an adulterer is committing adultery, he is not a Mu'min (believer)'.
The Mashaa'ikh have explained that at the time of adultery the noor of
Imaan is separated from the adulterer. After he has finished this sinful
act the Imaan returns into a Muslim.
The shaving of the beard is such a act that it is continuous, and is
exhibited all the time. When performing salaat too, this sin remains with
him. Similarly during Sowm (fast), Haj and all other Ibaadaat this sinful
act accompanies him.
On several occasions I contemplated writing a brief booklet about the
beard but unfortunately I did not get the opportunity while in India.
After returning from India my enthusiasm was not the same but nevertheless
the thought to write this booklet remained. Thus today on Wednesday the
29th Zil Hijjah, 1395 Hijri at Zuh'r time, in the Masjidun Nabawi I
commenced in the name of Allah. May Allah grant me the good fortune to
complete it, for during these days meeting and bidding farewell to blends
and acquaintances takes up much time.
'And Allah alone aids to conform with His likes and pleasures'.
I propose to write two chapters in this booklet.
CHAPTER 1: Ahaadith of Rasulullah (pbuh) and the teachings of the Sahaba
RA. .
CHAPTER 2: The second chapter will comprise the rulings of the Mashaa'ikh
and Ulama
CHAPTER ONE:
Ahaadith of Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) and the teachings of the
Sahaba RA.
HADITH NO. 1:
Aa'isha RA. relates that Rasulullah (pbuh) said: 'Ten things are of
nature, in which cutting the moustache and growing a fall beard are
mentioned'. Abu Dawood.
It is mentioned in 'Barlul Maj'hood' that the 'fitrat' means the way of
all the Nabis. These ten things, amongst which are the cutting of
themoustache and the growing of a full beards were the practice of all the
Ambiya A.S. We have been commanded to follow these. Allah says in the
Qur'aan: '
Those are they whom Allah had guided; so follow thou their guidance'.
Suratul An'aam: 90.
This is an Aayat in the seventh juz, wherein, after mentioning the names
of various Nabis (Peace be upon them), Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe
Wassallam) is commanded thus: 'that these personalities were such that
Allah had guided them, so you too (O Muhammad ) follow their way'. Bayanul
Qur'aan.
It is stated in 'Bazlul Maj'hood' that this is the way most ulama have
translated the word 'fitrat'. Some have however translated it as the
Sunnat (way) of Sayyidina Ibrahim A.S. Some have explained that it means
'that which is acceptable to normal, well bred people'; implying that
those who are not abnormally wicked will accept all these things of the 'iitrat'.
In essence 'ftrat' means the 'seen' (religion). Allah says in the Qur'an:
'And follow thou the constitution of Allah according to which He hath
constituted mankind'. Suratur Roum: 30.
This Deen is that which Allah has chosen for the first human created. And
these ten things are of that Deen. Reference has been made in 'Bazlul
Maj'hood' to another Aayat of the Qur'aan in the twenty first Juz;
'And follow thou the constitution of Allah according to which He hath
constituted mankind. No altering let there be in Allah's creation. That is
the right religion, but most men know not'. Suratur Roum: 30.
When the cursed Shaytaan was humiliated in Allah's court he vowed;
‘And surely I will lead them astray, and I will fill them with vain
desires, and I will command them so that they will slit the ears of the
cattle, and I will command them so that they will alter the creation of
Allah. And whosoever taketh Satan for a patron instead of Allah, shall
surely suffer a manifest loss'. Suratun Nisaa: 119.
Maulana Thanwi (may Allah enlighten his resting place) has written that in
the Aayat "And I will command them so that they will alter the creation of
Allah" includes the shaving of the beard. There are numerous other Ahadith
that command the cutting of the moustache and the growing of full beards.
HADITH NO. 2:
In the book 'Hukumul lih'ya fil Islam' quoting from Ibn Hibbaan the
following Hadith is reported by Abu Hurairah As ; 'Rasulullah (Sallaho
Alaihe Wassallam) has said: 'Amongst the fitrat (Deen) of Islam is the
cutting of the moustache and the lengthening of the beard for surely the
Majoos (fire worshippers) lengthen their moustaches and cut their beards
so oppose them by cutting your moustaches and lengthening your beards'.
In this Hadith Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam)has declared the
keeping of the beard a fundamental requirement of Islam and has described
the shaving of the beard as a symbol of the Majoos (fire worshippers). In
a well-known Hadith it is related that 'Whomsoever imitates a people, will
be regarded as of them'. That is why Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam)
has commanded us to oppose the Majoos. It is obvious that the growing of
the beard is an Islamic injunction and all the Ambiya A.S without
exception are agreed on this, as has been already mentioned in Hadith
number one. Therefore those who hold this false notion that it was a
custom amongst the Arabs to grow beards therefore Rasulullah (Sallaho
Alaihe Wassallam) has commanded it are totally wrong in their assertions
and their argument is baseless.
May Allah through His grace and kindness guide us all to act according to
the teachings of Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) and also give us
the strength to refrain from committing wrong actions and protect us from
the various warnings that have been sounded time and again.
Ibn Umar has also related from Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) that
the Mushrikeen (those who set partners with Allah) should be opposed by
lengthening the beards and cutting the moustache closely. There are
numerous other Ahasdith to the same effect.
Abu Hurairah reports that Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) said:
'Lengthen your beards and cut your moustaches, and in this matter do not
imitate the Jews and Christians'. It is indeed unfortunate that today, by
apeing the Christians, we are neglecting and destroying this blessed and
very important Sunnat of Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) I recall
that during my childhood even the elders among the Hindus were accustomed
to having beards.
In a Hadith quoted in 'Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah' it is reported that a
Majoos who had shaved his beard and had a long moustache came to
Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam). On seeing this Rasulullah (Sallaho
Alaihe Wassallam) said: 'What is this you have done ? ' He said: 'This is
our religion'. Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) said: 'In our
religion we are commanded to cut the moustache and lengthen the beard'.
Hukmul Lih'ya fil Islam.
Ibn Asaakirr and others have reported that Hasan relates that Rasulullah (Sallaho
Alaihe Wassallam) said: 'There were ten such habits amongst the people of
Loot A.S. which were the cause of their destruction. Amongst these habits
is listed the shaving of the beard and the lengthening of the moustache'.
Haarith bin Abi Usaama, relates from Yahya bin Abi Katheer that an Ajami
(a non-believer who was not an Arab) who had shaved his beard and
lengthened his moustache came into the Masjid. Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe
Wassallam) said to him: 'What has prompted you to do this ? ' He replied:
'My Lord (the king) has ordered me to do this'. Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe
Wassallam) said: 'Allah has commanded me to lengthen the beard and to cut
the moustache'.
In another Hadith Said ibn Habib relates that Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe
Wassallam) could not bear looking at two emissaries that came from the
court of King Kisra, because they had shaven their beards. He told them;
'Be destroyed ! Who has told you to make your appearance like this ? '
They replied: 'Our Lord, Emperor Kisra ordered us'. Rasulullah (Sallaho
Alaihe Wassallam) said: 'But I have been commanded by my Lord, Allah to
lengthen the beard and cut the moustache'. Hukmul Lih'ya fill Islam.
This incident is described in detail further on. After death in the grave
we will first be shown the countenance of Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe
Wassallam). Those will be moments of regret and utter hopelessness. Allah
forbid, if at such a time of need, and with hope that Rasulullah (Sallaho
Alaihe Wassallam) will intercede on one's behalf, he sees a face and a
appearance that is not according to his Sunnat, and he turns his face away
! How unfortunate will this be?
HADITH NO. 3:
Zaid ibn Arqam relates that Rasulullah (pbuh) said: 'whoever does not cut
his moustache is not of us'. Ahmad, Tirmizi, Nasa'i.
How severe is this warning. Those with long moustaches regard teen. selves
as members of the elite and register themselves as Muslims in official
records, but Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) refuses to accept them
as members of his group. Waathila RA. relates that Rasulullah (Sallaho
Alaihe Wassallam) said: 'Whosoever does not cut his moustache is not of
us'.
The growing of long moustaches is naturally abhorrent. Tea, water or any
liquid will have to pass through overgrown moustaches. If the dirty water
after washing the moustache is suggested for consumption it will
unanimously be rejected. But if every gulp of liquid washes over the
overgrown moustache it is consumed without dislike.
Imaam Ahmad ibn Hambal (may Allah's mercy be upon him) in his 'Kitaabuz
Zuhd' relates from Aqeel ibn Mudrik that Allah revealed to one Nabi from
amongst the Ambiya of Bani Israel; that he should tell his people not to
eat the food (which is exclusively theirs - like swine is to the
Christians) of my enemies, and that they must not drink the water (wine)
of my enemies; and they must not make their appearances like that of my
enemies; If they do this they too will be my enemies, like those who are
my enemies. Dalaa'ilul Aathaar.
In several Ahaadith already quoted we see that to shave the beard is the
way (common ritual) of the Mushrikeen. And in just as many Ahaadith we
have been taught be different and oppose their ways and ritual practices.
A very important. matter to which attention must be drawn here is that
many regard shaving the beard as wrong and therefore they do not shave.
They do not however regard shortening the beard as equally incorrect and
indulge in this wrong act. Just as the Shari'ah commands the growing of
the beard, so to does it prescribe the length to which it has to be grown.
Therefore to grow a beard other than that which is specified is also
incorrect. The Shari'ah has commanded that the length of the beard should
be one fist full, when held from below the chin. According to the
consensus of the Ulama it is not permissible to have a beard shorter than
this. They do differ on whether a beard which is longer than required,
should be shortened to this fixed length or not.
Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani (may Allah enlighten his resting place) in his
book 'The Philosophy of the Beard', in reply to questions put to him,
writes that Rasulullah (pbuh) used to cut his beard both in width and in
length, therefore it is important that the detail of this should be known.
Because the Sahaba RA. witnessed the speech and deeds of Rasulullah (Sallaho
Alaihe Wassallam), Imaam Bukhari (may Allah's mercy be upon him) has
relied on the deeds of the Sahaba RA. as the yard stick. The practice of
Abdullah ibn Umar RA. is referred to as an example because he was always
meticulous in following the Sunnat of Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam).
Imaam Bukhari (may Allah's mercy be upon him) states:
'When Ibn Umar RA performed Haj or Umrah, he used to hold his beard with
his clasped fist, and that hair which was longer, he cut off'.
It is obvious from this, that Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) cut
his beard in length and breadth in this manner. Besides Ibn Umar RA,
Sayyidina Umar RA and Abu Hurairah RA did the same. In the commentary of
Bukhari, Hafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allah's mercy be upon him) relates from
Tabari that one group maintain that whatever is longer than the fist span
should be cut off. Then Tabari relates that this was the practice of Ibn
Umar RA.and Abu Hurairah RA.
It is also related that Sayyidina Umar did this to another person. This
method is described by the Ulama of the Hanafis and Shafe'ees in their
books of Fiq'h.
In 'Abu Dawood' it is mentioned thus;
'We use to allow our beards to increase in length and breadth, except
during Haj and Umrah', (after which it used to be cut back to size). This
is clearly understood from Ibn Umar's RA' practice and also the Hadith of
Ibn Umar to this effect, which has been quoted above from 'Bukhari'. It is
therefore clear from this that the Sahaba RA. generally used to lengthen
their beards during the year and after Haj or Umrah the extra length was
cut off. It is also a fact that Rasulullah's beard was the length of one
palm or longer. This is the reason why he performed khilaal of it (combed
it with his finger); and he used a comb to straighten it. It was so thick
and wide that it covered his upper chest in length and breadth.
In this respect the teachings of Ammaar ibn Yaasir , Abdullah ibn Umar
RA., Sayyidina Umar RA, Abu Hurairah RA and Jaabir RA indicate that they
all used to keep beards that were one palm length or more and they
preached this to others. It thus logically follows that this was the
practice of most Sahaba RA. . Jaabir RA, supports this when he says: 'We
use to grow long beards and only during the Haj and Umrah did we trim
them'.
Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) has commanded the Sahaba RA. and the
Ummah to lengthen their beards and make this a symbol by which a Muslim is
recognized. This will be the exclusive symbol and uniform of the believer.
It is therefore not permissible to shave, nor to shorten, nor to keep a
small (goatee) beard.
(Extracts from the 'Philosophy of the Beard).
Maulana Quari Muhammad Tayyab Saheb (may Allah grant him long life) has
dealt with this subject in detail in his thesis 'The Shar'i position of
the Beard'. He has substantiated in a scholarly manner from the Qur'aan
and Hadith and the preaching of the Sahaba RA. , that the length of the
beard should be one palm long. He also quotes that the author of 'Fathul
Qadeer' claims:
'To trim the beard when it is less than one palm in length; like some
Maghrabis do, is the way of the Hermaphrodites'. This implies that there
is unanimity among all the Fuqahaa that trimming the beard to less than
one fist span is not permissible. This unanimity in itself is sufficient
to substantiate its obligation and compulsion.
Imaam Muhammad (may Allah's mercy be upon him) writes in his 'Kitaabul
Aathaar' where he relates from Imaam Abu Hanifa (may Allah's mercy be upon
him), who relates from Haytham (May Allah's mercy be upon him) who relates
from Ibn Umar that he (Ibn Umar RA) used to hold his beard in his hand and
cut off that which was longer. Imaam Muhammad (may Allah's mercy be upon
him) says that this is what we follow and this was the decision of Imaam
Abu Hanifa (may Allah's mercy be upon him).
The decision of the four Imaams and those of some other Ulama have been
given in detail and substantiated in 'Awjazul Masaalik'. A reference in
this book is made to the strongly substantiated and most acceptable
decision of the Shafi'ees to leave the beard as it is when it exceeds the
one palm length.
This is the ruling of the Hanafis as well. The generally adopted decision
of the Maalikis is that when the beard grows exceptionally long it should
be trimmed. This does not mean that it can be shorter than the regulation
palm length, nor does it mean that it cannot be kept longer than one palm
length. According to the Hanafis, if it is longer than one palm length, it
is desirable that it be cut back to a palm length.
CHAPTER TWO:
The second chapter will comprise the rulings of the Mashaa'ikh and Ulama
1. Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (may Allah's mercy be upon him) in his book 'Islahur
Rusoom'. under the discussion of incorrect customs, has also mentioned the
shaving of the beard, to cut it less than the length of the palm, to keep
long moustaches - as many youth are doing and regarding it as being smart
and up to date.
The Hadith categorically states that the beard should be lengthened and
the moustaches cut. This is related both in 'Bukhari' and 'Muslim'.
Rasulullah(Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) has sternly commanded this to his
followers. Wherever Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) gives a command
then that act becomes compulsory (Waajib), and to neglect this Waajib
command is totally prohibited, (Haraam). Thus it is forbidden (Haraam) to
shave the beard and keep long moustaches. This is further elaborated in
another Hadith in which Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) has said:
'whosoever does not cut his moustache is not of our group'. This has been
related by Ahmad, Tirmizi and Nasa'ee.
Now that the fact has been established that it is a sinful act to shave or
shorten the beard, therefore those who adamantly continue to do so, and
regard the growing of the beard as an embarrassment, and jeer and mock at
those who do keep full beards; for such people to maintain their Imaan
(faith) is most difficult. For them it is imperative that they repent
forthwith and also renew their Imaan and marriages; and make their
appearances according to the teachings of Allah and His Rasul (Sallaho
Alaihe Wassallam) .
Rationally too the beard for menfolk is like what hair of the head is to a
women, both being creations of beauty. If the shaving of the hair on a
woman’s head is deforming, then how could the shaving of a males face ever
contribute to his good looks. Truly there is no explanation, except that
foreign customs have pulled a curtain over our insight and reasoning, and
have perplexed our common sense.
Some say that the Turks shave, and therefore we follow them. The answer to
that is, if the general military personnel act contrary to the Shari'ah,
that does not justify their action, and it cannot be relied on as Shar'i
proof to govern Masaa'il. Those who shave are disobedient; regardless of
the country of their origin. Some shave to appear young and to hide their
age, as they feel that achieving certain qualifications at an advanced age
is embarrassing. This too is an utterly meaningless notion. Age is a gift
from Allah, the more years you have lived, the more blessed you are. To
try and hide this fact is really a form of ungratefulness for what you are
blessed with. To achieve any form of qualification at an old age is in
fact honourable, and praiseworthy. This is because your keenness for
perfection of a subject at that age is even more worthy of envy, and if
according to some fools the keeping of the beard is the cause for
embarrassment, then they should remember that according to many
nonbelievers (Kaafirs), to be a Muslim is also a cause of embarrassment
and backwardness. So Allah forbid, should Islam too be forsaken ?
Just as we do not leave Islam, because the Kuffaar regard it as a defect
and a cause of backwardness, so why should the symbol and appearance of
Islam be neglected because some irreligious misfits think it an
embarrassment and an unpresentable appearance. These are the evil
instigations of Shaytaan.
It is sad to see the religious students of Arabic involved in this
un-Islamic act; suffice to say of them; 'Four leggeds only to carry a few
books'. They are indeed in a distressing position and most unfortunate,
for they are well acquainted with the rules of Shari'ah, which they are
preaching. Yet they do not practice what they preach.
There are many warnings in the Qur'aan and the Hadith for such Aalims who
do not practice what they preach. The ignorant are driven further astray
by following the wrong practice of such Aalims. The sin and its burden for
this type of irreligiousness is justly heaped onto such Aalims. As
mentioned previously the one who is the cause of a wrong deed is just as
sinful as those who commit those sins, therefore he will also be included
amongst those who will burden the after effects of the sin. According to
my view the Principals and staff of all religious madrasahs where students
are involved in this sinful act or any other un-Islamic conduct, should
take sterner action by giving such students the opportunity to repent and
abstain, or else expel them forthwith. To give leadership to such
irreligious students is to destroy humanity and-Islam. 'To educate the
disobedient and ill-bred, is like handing arms and ammunition to a
robber'.
It should be further remembered that it is not permissible for a barber or
hairdresser to cut or trim the beard, or the head in any fashion other
than that allowed by the Shari'ah. To assist anyone in a sinful act is
similar to executing that very act. It is befitting for a Muslim barber to
politely refuse to carry out such un-Islamic acts.
(Islaahur Rusoom):
There are some fortunate and upright barbers who, inspite of need, blankly
refuse to shave the beards of their clients. Though these are very few, I
know of several such persons, enduring all the consequences of hardships,
they faithfully stood by their covenant not to act un-Islamically in this
matter.
A few years ago there was such an incident; there was a person from Patna
in Bihar State, known as Haaji Peydal. He set out on foot to perform Haj.
At every five steps he would perform two rakaats Naf'l Salaah. Many of his
relatives and dear ones, who had held high posts kept track of his walk.
Whenever he reached a place that was near a railway, they went to meet him
by rail. When this Haaji reached Saharanpur he stayed at the house of Rao
Yaqoob All Khan, who was a mureed of my sincere colleague Maulana Raipuri
(may Allah enlighten his resting place). A certain deputy (High official)
of Agra came to meet this Haaji at Rao Yaqoob Ali Khans residence. There
this visiting deputy called a barber to attend to him.
When he professionally completed the hair cut, with which his client was
very pleased, he was asked to shave the face as well. The barber humbly
clasped his hands and said: 'Sir, this I have never done in all my life'.
This honest remark pleased the visitor, and if I remember, he presented
the barber with an extra renumeration.
2. Shaikhul Islam Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani (may Allah enlighten his
resting place) in his book 'The Philosophy of the Beard' writes that in
any organised Kingdom or political system every department has its
exclusive uniform. The uniform of the police and army is different, so is
that of the mounted cavalry and the infantry. And there is also a
difference between the uniforms of the ground forces and the air force.
The uniform of the post office is totally different to the others, etc. If
any of these officers is not in his own uniform while on duty he is
sternly reprimanded, or even penalized. Just as these uniforms are
necessary for the effective functioning of any kingdom or government, so
are they important among tribes and nations - in Allah's Kingdom -.
If a study is made it will be seen that England, France and Germany etc.,
have their own designs of flags and their exclusive uniforms, so that
those who are familiar with them could immediately identify any of them.
They could be identified on the battlefields and on political platforms
and fronts. Every nation does its utmost to presence and protect Its flag
and also its national symbols and emblems. In fact when some
transgressions are made in this matter it could lead to explosive
situations. Pull down a flag or insult it in any way, and then see the
consequences that could even lead to war.
This system of identification has always been adopted by governments,
nations and religious groups since time immemorial. If it were not for
this it would be impossible to identify personnel and officials of
different government departments, between nations and between governments.
How would one differentiate between a soldier and a civilian, and between
a policeman and a postman ? . This has been regarded as necessary by all
countries and nations, and is still so today. Those nations and countries
who do not preserve and protect their uniform and identity are very easily
and quickly absorbed into other nations. They disappear in such a manner
that no trace of their name or culture remains.
The Sikhs uphold their symbol of identity by keeping the hair of their
head and beard. This has given them the status of an independent nation
and they are regarded as a living cult today. The British came - to India
at the end of the sixteenth century. They stayed for about two hundred and
fifty years. They came from a country that is cold, but they did not give
up their coats, trousers, hats and neckties in this country which is very
hot. That is why a nation three hundred and fifty million could not absorb
the comparatively small number that came. They presented their identity as
a separate nation and as an exclusive government.
The Muslims came here - India - over a thousand years ago, and if they had
not presented their identity and uniform they should today appear as
Hindus; just as those who came before the Muslims, and did not protect
their identities and were totally absorbed by the Hindus. Today besides
being mentioned on pages of history books there is no trace of their name
or culture anywhere on the globe. The Muslims did not only preserve their
uniform, but also safeguarded their religious values, Islamic names of
males and females, Islamic way of life and culture, customs and language.
That is why they survived as a nation in India, and thus their identity
will remain as long as they protect these values; when they let up they
will be obliterated, and absorbed by others.
It is evident from this that any nation or religion can only continue to
survive when it adopts an exclusive form of appearance, civilization and
culture, custom and language. Therefore it was necessary for the religion
of Islam; that was, and still is higher than all other religions in its
beliefs, character and practice; to adopt an exclusive uniform and outlook
To protect and preserve this mode and uniform is tantamount to protecting
the religion itself, and lives will readily be sacrificed for this
purpose. This exclusive uniform is the mode of those who are constantly
obedient to Allah, setting them apart from those who are transgressors and
the enemies of Islam. (This is called the SHA'AA'IR AL ISLAM -- Symbol of
Islam).
By this will the righteous be preferred over the transgressors before
Allah the Almighty. This is the essence of the Hadith; 'He who chooses for
him-
'He who chooses for himself the mode of a people will be regarded as from
them'. This is the Hadith which at times annoy many un-lslamically
inclined youth.
This is why Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) has suggested a
particular uniform for his followers. 'mine difference between us and the
Mush'riks (those who ascribe partners with Allah) is the turbans on the
topis - headgear -'and he said: 'Oppose the Ahle Kitaab when making paths
while combing your hair'. This is the reason for the instruction to keep
the length of the trouser above the ankles, by differentiating between
those who are arrogant and boastful.
Thereafter the late Maulana Madani (may Allah bestow mercy upon him)
quotes those Ahaadith that are mentioned in the first chapter of this
booklet. The gist of it is that this has always been the exclusive
uniform, symbol and mode of those who are always very close and obedient
to Allah. Whereas other nations and peoples that are bent on transgressing
and flouting the commands of Allah have adopted appearances and apparel
that are contrary and intently opposed to what the Shariat allows.
Besides these facts natural inclination binds every follower of Muhammad (Sallaho
Alaihe Wassallam) that he only adopts those characteristics, behaviour,
appearance, habits, style and culture etc., of his noble chief Muhammad (Sallaho
Alaihe Wassallam) and that he abstain from the cultures and fashions of
the opponents of his beloved Rasul Baas . This has been the demand of
correct thinking and human nature from all times, and exists in every
nation and country today. Who is there today, that is opposed to
Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam), and the Muslims; more than the
non-Muslims of Europe?
Historical facts should be studied; and in view of what the enemies of
Islam have done, their exclusive uniforms and their attire and fashions
should be shunned and disliked. It does not matter whether these modes are
those of Curzon; Gladstone, French or America, or whether they are related
to dress, body, language, culture or customs. In every locality
and every country of the world it is regarded as natural and human to like
and adopt everything that a friend likes, and to regard everything, of an
enemy with contempt and as foreign. Especially those things that
exclusively belong to the enemies. Therefore our earnest effort must be to
become loyal and honest followers of Muhammad (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam),
and not slaves of Curzon, Harding, France or America etc.
As for interviews and government services, and the taunts of office
workers or clerks, it is only due to our weakness that we feel offended.
The Sikhs have interviews and are placed at various, grades of government
jobs, some small and others of high ranks, but they hold fast onto their
uniform. No person looks down at them in humiliation. Inspite of them
being a minority, they hold most jobs and government posts with pride and
dignity.
(Quoted from 'The Philosophy of the Beard').
Many youth had confessed to me during the unrest of 1947, that they use to
shave their beards, but now they are growing beards because they feared
that if killed during the general genocide; they should not be mistaken as
Hindus and be cremated. This fear exists at all times as the time and
place of death is unknown.
3. Maulana Saeed Ahmad Palanpuri, a professor at Darul Uloom Deoband
writes in his booklet 'The Beard, and the Sunnat of the Ambiya': 'There is
consensus among the Ummat regarding the prohibition of shaving the beard,
not a single person has sanctioned this'.
Thereafter he quotes some relevant expositions of the Ulama. Of these he
refers to the author of 'Manthal', in his commentary on Abu Dawood where
he states:
'This is why the shaving of the beard is Haraam (prohibited) according to
an the Imaams; Imaam Abu Hanifah, Imaam Shafe'ee, Imaam Maalik, Imaam
Ahmad (may Allah's mercy be upon them) and others.
Further he quotes Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (may Allah bestow mercy on
him) thus;
That where the author of 'Durre Mukhtaar' states 'None have ever permitted
it, he has agreed that there is consensus on the prohibition of the
shaving of the beard'. Then he also quakes various other statements of
renown Fuqahaa (Jurists).
4. The late Maulana Aashiq llaahi (may Allah enlighten his resting place)
in his booklet 'The appreciative values Of the Beard' has quoted extracts
of prohibition from all the four Mazaahib.
He quotes from the Shafe'ee school's book, 'Al Ibaab'; 'Imaam ibn
Ar-Rifaah says that Imaam Shafe'ee (may Allah's mercy be upon him) in his
book 'Kitabul Um' has categorically stated that - the shaving of the beard
is Haraam -'
Thereafter the Mazhab of the Maaliki school is quoted from 'Kitabul Ib'daa'.
This quote has also been mentioned in the booklet 'Al Lihya al Islam';
'Without doubt the four Mazaahib are agreed that the beard should be
lengthened, and that shaving it is Haraam (prohibited)'.
The Mazhab of the Maalikis is that; to shave the beard is Haraam, and to
trim it in such a manner that it changes ones natural and normal facial
features is also Haraam.
In the Hanbali Mazhabs books 'Shar'hul Muntahaa' and 'Shar'h Manzoomatul
Aadaab' it is stated; 'The most accepted view is that it is Haraam
(prohibited) to shave the beard. Some Ulama like the author of 'Insaaf'
have categorically stated that it is Haraam. There is no report from
anyone to the contrary'.
Many others have reported the consensus of the Ulama regarding the
obligation of keeping the beard. Shaikh Abdur Rahmaan Al-Qaasim (may Allah
bestow His mercy upon him) in his booklet on this subject states, 'Ibn
Taymiya has categorically stated that the shaving of the beard is Haraam.
Allaama Qurtubi (may Allah's mercy be upon him) states, 'The shaving of
the beard, to pull out all the hair of the beard and to trim - short - the
beard are all not permissible'
Imaam Muhammad ibn Hazm Zaahiri (may Allah's mercy be upon him) has quoted
the consensus of the Ulama, that to cut the moustache and to lengthen the
beard is Fardh (compulsory), and substantiates this with the Hadith
related by Ibn Umar that Rasulullah has said; 'Oppose the Mush'rikeen
(those who set partners with Allah), cut the moustache and lengthen the
beards', and also the Hadith related by Zaid ibn Arqam RA that Rasulullah
(Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) has said: 'He who does not cut the moustache is
not of us'. Tirmizi.
Further Ibn Taymiyah lists all those Ahaadith which command us to oppose
the Jews and Christians in our appearance, then comments; the Shariat
requires us to oppose them, and to outwardly ape them creates love and
friendship for them, just as spiritual love effects the outward trend and
behaviour. These are matters that have been witnessed and experienced.
Ibn Umar ',- relates that: 'He who imitates the Kuffaar (nonbelievers) and
dies in that state, he will be raised with them - on the day of Qiyaamah
-'. It is mentioned in the book 'Tamheed'' which is a commentary on 'Mu'atta',
'That to shave the beard is Haraam, and among males the only ones who
resort to this are the Hermaphrodites'.
Sayyidina Umar i.' and Ibn Abi Laylah RA , who was a Qaadhi (Judge) of
Madina Munawwarah have rejected the testimony of the person who pulls out
all the hair of the beard. This book refers to many Ahaadith that prohibit
the shaving of the beard.
The incident of the emmissary of Kis'ra has already been mentioned
briefly. Maulana Meerutii (may Allahs mercy be upon him) writes in detail,
when Abdullah ibn Huzafah RA presented Rasulullah's (Sallaho Alaihe
Wassallam) letter to Khusru Parwez, the king of Iran (Kis'ra), he tore it
up in anger and said -'An ordinary low subject of my Empire writes to me,
and has his own name written before mine'. He then ordered Baazaan, who
was his governor main, and under whose governorship they considered all
the Arab lands to be, to have this person - Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe
Wassallam) arrested and brought to his court. Complying, Baazaan
dispatched a group of army officers under the leadership of Khar Khusru.
To study and investigate the conditions of Muhammad (pbuh) an additional
officer by the name of Baanuyah accompanied them. When these two officers
appeared in the presence of Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam), they
began to tremble and shiver due to the overbearing spiritual character of
Nabi (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam). These people were fire-worshipping
Parsees, and their beards were shaven, they had overgrown moustaches, and
they used to call Kis'ra 'Lord'.
Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) was displeased on seeing their
faces, and the first question he asked them was, 'Who has told you to make
your appearance like this ? '. They replied: 'Our Lord, Kis'ra did ! '.
Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) said: 'My Lord has commanded me to
lengthen the beard, and cut the moustache'.
The point that has to be understood is that Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe
Wassallam) was upset and displeased by this appearance of these non-Muslim
representatives.
The late Maulana Yousuf Kandahlawi (may Allah enlighten his resting place)
has related this incident from a number of sources in his book 'Hayaat us
Sahabaa'. Muslims should seriously think that after death the very first
stage will be to face Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam). How
displeased and disappointed will he be to see that face which is not
according to his teaching or his Sunnah, when every Muslim hoses for his
intercession in the Hereafter.
Thereafter Maulana Meeruti (may Allah bestow mercy upon him) relates the
story of Mirza Qateel. Learning of his sufic talks an Irani was impressed
and became an admirer. To meet him he eagerly undertook a special journey.
When he reached the Mirza, he found him shaving his beard. He was
astounded and said: 'Aaghaa ! (Sir), you are shaving your beard ! '. The
Mirza replied: 'Yes. I am shaving my own hair, I am not shaving anyones
heart', thus referring to the sufi concept that you could do what you
please with your self, but you should not hurt the hearts of the creation
of Allah. The Irani without hesitation exclaimed: 'O ! You definitely are
shaving the heart of Rasulullah. 'What do you mean that you are not
hurting the heart of any person; when you are piercing the heart of
Rasulullah.
On hearing this the Mirza went into a trance, and dropped unconscious.
When he regained his senses he recited the following verse: 'May Allah
reward you, You have opened my eyes; And have made a personal union, with
the king of all souls'.
Thus ii there is no intention of pleasing Allah's beloved Rasul by doing
what he taught; for Allah's sake do not hurt his heart, Rasulullah (Sallaho
Alaihe Wassallam) is Allahs most beloved, and to displease him is to
displease Allah. Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) has said:
'Whoever displeases me has displeased Allah'. If Rasulullah (Sallaho
Alaihe Wassallam)is hurt by non-Muslims shaving their beards and having
overgrown moustaches, how much more disturbed and displeased will he be
with those who claim to be his followers, and yet commit this sinful act.
Maulana Meeruti (may Allah's mercy be upon him) writes on the medical
aspect of the beard as well. Since ancient times, Unani men agreed that
the beard was an adornment for men, and it protected his throat and chest.
Western medical men have now reached a similar conclusion. One doctor
writes that by continually shaving, the veins of the sight are effected,
resulting in failing eyesight. Another doctor writes that a lengthy beard
stops harmful germs from reaching the throat and chest, and another goes
so far as to say; that if men shaved for seven generations,the men in the
eight generation will have no beards. This means that-the sperm gets
weaker in every generation, until in the eight this quality is completely
destroyed. This is no prophecy or astronomical calculation, but are basic
medical facts.
If a child with a clear voice, imitates someone who stutters, then in a
short while he becomes like him, and then cannot say any word clearly any
longer.
In this respect a very sound explanation of an American, Dr. Charles
Homer, has recently been published. His finding is given below: 'A
correspondent has asked me to invent some sort of electronically operated
needle to reduce the time wasted daily on shaving. I do not understand why
people dread and tremble at the thought of having a beard. People grow
hair on their heads, so why do they regard it as incorrect, defective and
unacceptable to have hair on their face. When the hair fails to grow on
the head then that baldness is regarded as a defect, and a cause of
-shame. Every effort is made to hide it. Yet, it is surprising that a man
will daily remove the hair from his face; depriving himself from that
which is the most evident sign of manhood, without a bit of shame.
The beard and moustache gives the human beings face strength of manhood, a
steadfast character, individual integrity and exclusive identity. His
survival and safety too are due to this brave appearance. These are the
only hair that differentiate the males from the females. The hair on all
the other parts of the body are common between male and female. Women
Thus ii there is no intention of pleasing Allah's beloved Rasul (Sallaho
Alaihe Wassallam) by doing what he taught; for Allah's sake do not hurt
his heart, Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) is Allahs most beloved,
and to displease him is to displease Allah. Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe
Wassallam) has said:
'Whoever displeases me has displeased Allah'. If Rasululah (Sallaho Alaihe
Wassallam) is hurt by non-Muslims shaving their beards and having
overgrown moustaches, how much more disturbed and displeased will he be
with those who claim to be his followers, and yet commit this sinful act.
Maulana Meeruti (may Allah's mercy be upon him) writes on the medical
aspect of the beard as well. Since ancient times, Unani men agreed that
the beard was an adornment for men, and it protected his throat and chest.
Western medical men have now reached a similar conclusion. One doctor
writes that by continually shaving, the veins of the sight are effected,
resulting in failing eyesight. Another doctor writes that a lengthy beard
stops harmful germs from reaching the throat and chest, and another goes
so far as to say; that if men shaved for seven generations,the men in the
eight generation will have no beards. This means that-the sperm gets
weaker in every generation, until in the eight this quality is completely
destroyed. This is no prophecy or astronomical calculation, but are basic
medical facts.
If -a child with a clear voice, imitates someone who stutters, then in a
short while he becomes like him, and then cannot say any word clearly any
longer.
In this respect a very sound explanation of an American, Dr. Charles
Homer, has recently been published. His finding is given below: 'A
correspondent has asked me to invent some sort of electronically operated
needle to reduce the time wasted daily on shaving. I do not understand why
people dread and tremble at the thought of having a beard. People grow
hair on their heads, so why do they regard it as incorrect, defective and
unacceptable to have hair on their face. When the hair fails to grow on
the head then that baldness is regarded as a defect, and a cause of
-shame. Every effort is made to hide it. Yet, it is surprising that a man
will daily remove the hair from his face; depriving himself from that
which is the most evident sign of manhood, without a bit of shame.
The beard and moustache gives the human beings face strength of manhood, a
steadfast character, individual integrity and exclusive identity. His
survival and safety too are due to this brave appearance. These are the
only hair that differentiate the males from the females. The hair on all
the other parts of the body are common between male and female. Women
deep in their conscience are more appreciative of men with beards and
moustaches. Profoundly they prefer the male with a beard over the one
without this manly facial feature.
Outwardly it would appear that they dislike the beard and moustache. The
reason for this is that they have bound themselves to follow unrealistic
friends and latest fashions in dress, and unfortunately these days the
beard and moustache is out of fashion. A little bit of hair before the
nostrils or the mouth acts as a filter against harmful dust and germs
entering the nose or the mouth. A lengthy and thick beard protects the
throat from colds.
Dr. Homer describes the shaving of the beard as being bald in the face;
and to become slaves of the fashion world as having a feminine complex. He
regards independence, bravery and courage to be male qualities, and the
beard is the basis of the males handsome features. He attributes this
habit of shaving the beard to be a cause of making one more vulnerable to
being victims of colds, coughs etc.
He further writes, 'The beard and the moustache is returning to the world,
and with it will come back that supremacy that God has given the male over
the female. A person witha beard has never forsaken his wife, A person
with a beard always upholds the honour of the beard, that is demanded from
him. It gives him that prestige position, that is befitting only for males
How unreal is it that a full grown adult desires that his face appears
like that of a child; God had created the beard and the moustache for the
male adult to adorn his face with them. Whoever laughs and mocks at those
with beards is in fact laughing and mocking at Jesus (Sayyidina Eisa AS.),
because (Sayyidina Eisa AS.) had a beard'.
This is what a Christian says after carrying out medical and religious
research into this matter. According to him for a healthy young man to
desire to appear like a hairless immature child is trying to make nature
go backwards. Men should then also try to become like apes. After nineteen
centuries have passed he honours his Nabi (Jesus) AS. so much that he
classifies that person who laughs and mocks at a beard, as having mocked
at Sayyidina Eisa AS. because he kept a beard.
Those who claim to be Muslims should demonstrate honour for that Nabi, who
is the Noble Chief of all the Ambiya AS. And Sayyidina Eisa AS. will
appear before Qiyamah and will also be amongst his followers.
We have quoted, Dr. Charles Homers article as accurately as possible, for
to change it would be dishonest and un-ethical.
We however disagree with his views regarding the moustache. Dr. Homer
admits that Sayyidina Eisa AS. did not have an overgrown moustache, or
else he would have surely mentioned it where he states that Sayyidina Eisa
AS. had a beard.
This concludes the gist of Maulana Meeruti's (may Allah bestow mercy upon
him) booklet. When this humble servant began writing this book, I had only
Maulana Meeruti's booklet in mind, but no copy was available in Madina.
After commencing, friends and well wishers brought forward many booklets
on this-subject. Seeing these I postponed the writing of this booklet,
because so much has already been written on this subject. Some associates
insisted that since you have already commenced, it should now be
completed, though concisely.
It occured to me that though the necessity does not exist any longer, I
would nevertheless like to be a participant in the reward for re-awakening
this Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam).
Those who say that people laugh and mock at persons with beards, to them I
usually say this verse: 'People think that I am deprived, of all respect
and integrity. They should not think that I am not fit for my company'.
Laughing and mocking of a few fools should not be the cause of concern, as
against obtaining the happiness and favour of the intercessor of the
sinners, the Noble Chief of both worlds, Muhammad (Sallaho Alaihe
Wassallam) 'And our last word is praise be to Allah, the Sustainer of both
worlds, and may He send His blessings upon the best of His creation our
Noble Chief and leader, Muhammad (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) and upon his
clan and grant them safety'.
Article taken (with Thanks) from Islam.tc
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