“Hazart Abdullah Ibn Urnar (R.A) relates that; “He who imitates the kuffar (non-believers) and dies in that state he will be raised up with them on the Day of Qiyarnat (Judgement).” If so, the jews and catholics wear beards too. Also mentioned by you in a hadith, “we must distinguish from non muslims”. Shkran for all you advice…
Answer
Keeping a beard is a salient feature of Islam and Sunnah of all the prophets.
We are ordered to follow the Sunnah of the prophets and keep beard. We do not distinguish ourselves from the prophets in keeping beard.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai