Q: Many scholars have contributed much to Islam; they have illuminated the way for the Muslims and sacrificed themselves for their sake. They still sacrifice endlessly for the sake of the Muslims. They have carried the banner of Tawhid (monotheism). However, they shave their beards, such as Sayyid Qutb and Al-Ghazaly, the author of "Fiqh Al-Sirah". (Part No. 5; Page No. 161) Do you think they have no idea about these Hadiths where the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordered us to grow the beard and trim the moustache? Could they have committed a sin?

A: All praise be to Allah Alone, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, and his family and Companions! All humans err, even the scholars, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, “All children of Adam oft sin, and the best of those who commit sin are those who oft repent.” They are not infallible. The scholars you mentioned knew the Hadiths about forbidding shaving the beard and commanding the trimming of the moustache. However, they contradicted these texts, whether to follow their desire, out of Ta’wil (allegorical interpretation), or for other reasons. In any case, they are sinners for shaving their beards, and righteous for the deeds they committed of spreading knowledge and supporting the truth. Thus, they are considered among those who have mixed a good deed with a sinful one. May Allah forgive us and them.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.