| Ruling on army men forced to shave their beards  Q: I work in the army and I am forced to keep my beard shaved at all times. Is this Haram (prohibited)? | | (Part No. 10; Page No. 76) | |
A: It is not permissible to shave the beard, because the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) commanded men to leave it and let it grow in many Hadith Sahih (authentic Hadith). He (peace be upon him) explained that by letting it grow, Muslims are differing from Magi and Mushriks (those who associate others with Allah in His Divinity or worship). Moreover, the Prophet (peace be upon him) had a thick beard and it is obligatory for us to obey him; since following his example in morals and deeds is one of the best acts. Allah (Glorified be He) says:  Indeed in the Messenger of Allâh (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) you have a good example to follow He (Glorified and Exalted be He) also says: And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) gives you, take it; and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it). Allah (Glorified be He) says: And let those who oppose the Messenger’s (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) commandment (i.e. his Sunnah - legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements) (among the sects) beware, lest some Fitnah (disbelief, trials, afflictions, earthquakes, killing, overpowered by a tyrant) should befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them.As for smoking and whether it is similar in ruling to shaving the beard, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,  "Anyone who imitates a people is one of them." So, if you have to shave your beard in your current job, do not comply. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "There is no obedience to a creature in matters related to disobedience to the Creator." However, if you are forced to shave your beard, quit this job which forces you to do something that displeases Allah. All praise be to Allah, there are many ways to earn a living. Indeed, anyone who abandons something for the Sake of Allah, Allah will compensate them with something better. May Allah grant you success, make things easy for you, and let us and you be steadfast on His religion! |
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