What is the reason or wisdom behind the rule of growing beard in Islam?
The practice of growing a beard in Islam has its roots in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who emphasized its importance as part of a broader principle of distinguishing Muslims from non-believers. The Prophet ﷺ said, Differ from the polytheists: let your beards grow and trim your mustaches.
Sahih al-Bukhari 77:109. This instruction highlights the significance of maintaining a distinct identity for Muslims.
In addition, various hadith emphasize the command to grow beards and trim mustaches. For example, the Prophet ﷺ also commanded, Trim your mustaches and let your beards grow.
Sahih Muslim 2:67. This reflects a general encouragement for men to cultivate their beards as a sign of their faith and adherence to the Sunnah.
From a scholarly perspective, the Shia tradition discusses the wisdom of this practice as well. Al-Kafi states that the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) ruled concerning the beard: if it is shaved and does not grow back, the full blood-money is due; if it does grow back, then only a third of the blood-money
Al-Kafi 4:190. This indicates the significance of the beard in Islamic law and its associated responsibilities.
The beard is thus seen not only as a physical characteristic but also as a symbol of Islamic identity, compliance with prophetic guidance, and a means of expressing one's faith.
Sources
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Sahih al-Bukhari 77:109
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 77, Hadith 109 · Narrated by Ibn Umar
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Differ from the polytheists: let your beards grow and trim your mustaches.' Ibn Umar used to, whenever he performed Hajj or Umrah, hold his beard and trim what exceeded.
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Sahih Muslim 2:67
Sahih Muslim · Book 2, Hadith 67 · Narrated by Ibn Umar
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Trim your mustaches and let your beards grow.
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Al-Kafi 4:190
Al-Kafi · Book 4, Hadith 190
I heard Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) say: The tablets of Moses (peace be upon him) are with us and the staff of Moses is with us. We are the inheritors of the prophets. — OR — Test your brothers with two qualities; if they possess them, then otherwise keep your distance, then keep your distance, then keep your distance: maintaining prayers at their appointed times, and being righteous toward brothers in hardship and ease. — OR — He also reported that the qunut takbirs are divided as twenty-one in Zuhr prayer, twenty-one in Asr, sixteen in Maghrib, twenty-one in the last Isha prayer, eleven in Fajr prayer, plus five takbirs of qunut in the five prayers. — OR — The Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) ruled concerning the beard: if it is shaved and does not grow back, the full blood-money is due; if it does grow back, then only a third of the blood-money.
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