Removing the Confusion

In an era where appearances often eclipse greater virtues and modern and traditional approaches clash, the topic of keeping a beard has become a matter of dispute among practicing Muslims. While the importance of the beard is evident from the practice of the Messenger of Allah s and his companions, legitimate differences of opinion exist amongst scholars regarding its specific requirements and rulings.

Strict interpretations are commonly ascribed to the Hanafi school, perhaps influenced by the cultural practices of certain regions of the Muslim world. Fatwas mandating the necessity of keeping the beard at a fist-length have become widespread. Coupled with appeals to consensus and labelling offenders as open sinners, this stance leads to grave consequences and discord within the community. However, such a strict practice is neither prevalent nor the main teaching in many other regions where the Hanafi school dominates. Have these scholars abandoned their school’s opinion, or has modernity lessened its practical weight? Or does there exist a different explanation from within the school itself?