Q: Previously I used to trim by beard and now my beard is about 2 inches. My mom has been asking me to trim the beard like before. I need to know what is the correct length of the beard in Islam?
A. The minimum length of the beard is one fist-length on all sides. According to all jurists, it is not permissible to trim it shorter than a fist-length. Whatever is over a fist-length can be trimmed. (Raddul Muhtaar V7 P473).
Even if the mother or anyone desires one to trim the beard to less than a fist-length, it will not be permissible. Your first obligation is to Allah Ta’aala and His Rasool (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam), and thereafter to the creation, on condition that it is not contrary to any teaching of Islam.
A Hadeeth narrated by Sayyidina Imraan (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) says that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: There is no obedience to the creation if (in it) there is disobedience to Allah. (Al Mu’jamul Kabeer V18 P177).
Explain to her with kindness. May Allah Ta’aala make it easy for you, Aameen.
Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked by: Mufti Siraj Desai