The man Growing his Beard

Question: What is the benefit of the Muslim men growing their beard? Is it to distinguish themselves as Muslims or to hide their faces from women i.e. as a form of modesty? Answer: It is well known that there are affairs which Allaah سبحانه وتعالى has legislated for us in the Qur'aan and likewise what He has legislated for us upon the tongue of his Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم about whom Allaah سبحانه وتعالى said: وَمَا يَنطِقُ عَنِ الْهَوَى {Nor does he speak of (his own) desire.} [an-Najm 53:3] It was narrated that the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم grew his beard and he ordered the men to grow their beard. There are two issues here: an action of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and a command – where he صلى الله عليه وسلم commanded with the same action. This emphasizes the issue as he صلى الله عليه وسلم did it as well as commanded with it. Allaah سبحانه وتعالى did not allow the hair which grows on the face of a man to grow on his face except due to some wisdom; and due to some reason He did not cause it to grow on the face of the women. In the beard is dignity and powerful personality for men. It is also possible that the reason is to distinguish him from the women and it is possible that there could be other reasons and wisdom behind the men growing their beard. As Muslims you should submit to the commands of Allaah سبحانه وتعالى and His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم whether you understand the wisdom in it or not as Allaah سبحانه وتعالى said in surah an-Nisaa': فَلاَ وَرَبِّكَ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّىَ يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ لاَ يَجِدُواْ فِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَرَجاً مِّمَّا قَضَيْتَ وَيُسَلِّمُواْ تَسْلِيماً {But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.} [an-Nisaa 4:65] Therefore the individual should implement the commands of Allaah سبحانه وتعالى and His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم whether he understands the wisdom behind them or not. Answered by: Shaykh Abdullah Al Ghuydaan Tilte of lecutre: Question and answer session Date of lecture: 17th November 2007 Listen to lecture: Click here Read transcribed lecture: Click here