Q: It is widely held among the Muslim young men who are Multazim (practicing their religion) that it is Haram (prohibited) to shave the beard. Is this true? If so, which is more Wajib (obligatory), to obey parents who are ordering that the beard should be shaved or to let it grow? Is it permissible for a barber to shave the beards of other men, bearing in mind that if he does not do it they will go to someone else, or is it not permissible at all?

A: All praise is due to Allah Alone, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, his family, and Companions. Firstly: Shaving the beard is Haram. Secondly: It is not permissible for a son to obey his parents if they order him to shave his beard, as this is obedience that involves disobeying Allah. It is authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There is no obedience to the created in disobedience to (Part No. 5; Page No. 156) the Creator.” Allah (Glorified be He) says: ...and whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make his matter easy for him. Thirdly: It is not permissible for Muslims to shave their own beards or shave other men’s beards, nor to practice a job that involves shaving beards, because this is cooperating in sin and transgression. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) forbade this saying: Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwâ (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.