Q: It is reported in many Hadiths Trim closely the mustache, and let the beard grow. Also, there are reports for clipping fingernails, plucking hair under the armpits, and shaving pubic hair. Is there any difference between shaving and trimming? Some people only trim the lower half of the mustache, is this the trimming meant in such reports or should the whole mustache be shaved? Please inform me of the manner that should be followed regarding shaving the mustache. As for letting the beard grow, this is well established and it means that it should be left completely.

A: All Praise is due to Allah Alone and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, his family and Companions. Authentic Hadiths narrated from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) signify the validity of trimming the mustache, clipping nails, plucking the hair under the armpits, and shaving pubic hair. Some of these Hadith are: Trim closely the moustache, and let the beard grow to be unlike the disbelievers. Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: Trim closely the moustache, and grow the beard, and be unlike the fire-worshippers. According to some narrations: Trim closely the moustache. Since trimming stands for excessive cutting, a person may either clip the mustache closely until the upper lip appears or trim it because the Hadith permitted both. However, letting the two edges of the mustache grow (Part No. 5; Page No. 132) is not permitted. The Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) on this is either to clip the mustache completely or trim it completely.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.