The Beard: The Uniform of Muslims

 

The Beard in Islam: A Prophetic Tradition and Muslim Identity

Introduction

The beard in Islam is more than just facial hair—it is a prophetic tradition, a Muslim identity, and a uniform that distinguishes believers from others. From Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to all Prophets before him, keeping the beard has been a symbol of Sunnah and faith.

Beard: The Uniform of Muslims

The beard has always been part of the way of life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and all Prophets. It is the uniform of Muslims, symbolizing dignity, honor, and distinction. The Prophet ﷺ instructed Muslims to grow the beard and trim the mustache, specifically to avoid resembling the polytheists.

Sadly, despite professing faith in Muhammad ﷺ, many Muslims neglect this prophetic command. True love for the Prophet ﷺ is shown by following his Sunnah, not by empty claims. If one claims love yet acts against his way, such a claim cannot be genuine.

Hadith on Growing the Beard

Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) narrates:

> “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ commanded us to trim the mustaches and let the beards grow.”

(Muwatta Imam Malik, Sahih Bukhari)

This command is repeated in authentic Hadith collections, where the Prophet ﷺ clearly instructed:

“Grow the beard, trim the mustaches, and oppose the ways of the polytheists.”

Scholarly Opinions on the Beard

Shaykh al-Islam Maulana Sayyid Husain Ahmad Madani (RA)

The former Sheikh al-Hadith of Darul Uloom Deoband explained:

> “The beard and trimmed mustache serve as a uniform distinguishing Muslims from the polytheists and Zoroastrians (fire-worshippers). The Hadith ‘Ten practices are from natural disposition: trimming the mustache, growing the beard…’ (Sahih Muslim 726) highlights that these practices were the emblems of Prophets and their closeness to Allah.”

(The Philosophy of the Beard, p. 21)

Hakim al-Islam Maulana Qari Muhammad Tayyib Qasmi (RA)

The former Rector of Darul Uloom Deoband wrote:

> “The Sunnah of the beard was not attributed to a single Prophet, but described as Sunnah al-Mursalin—the Sunnah of all Prophets. Hence, keeping the beard is an established matter of consensus among all Messengers.”

(The Legal Status of the Beard, p. 62)

Conclusion

The beard in Islam is not a cultural symbol but a divine emblem of prophetic tradition. It is part of the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and all Prophets before him. By keeping the beard, Muslims preserve their identity, dignity, and distinction in the world.

May Allah grant us the ability to understand Islam correctly, practice it with sincerity, and protect us from the whispers of Shaytan. Ameen.