Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmathullahi wa Barakathuhu I wish to ask you that in our Masjid, the Hafiz Sahib who conducts the Tharaweeh Namaz keeps long beard during the month of Ramadhan but just a few days after Eid he is seen clean shaved. Is it valid to perform Tharaweeh Namaz behind such an Imam?
الجواب حامدا و مصلیا
It is Wajib to keep beard according to the consensus of the Ummath and it is the Sunnath of all the Anbiyas Alaihimus Salathu Wassalam. Shaving, trimming or shortening it less than a fist is a Sin and Fisq (a rebellious act). It is Makrooh to follow a Fasiq in Namaz, and to appoint such a person Imam with one’s own option is not permissible. Therefore may refrain from performing Tharaweeh Namaz following such an Imam.