Can a man trim his beard during Dhul Hijjah while performing qurbani?

Al-jawab billahi at-taufeeq (the answer with Allah’s guidance)

No, it will not be permissible.

For Muslim males to grow a beard is Waajib (compulsory), and to let it grow a fist length is Waajib. Without any Sharee reason to cut or shave is Haraam (totally prohibited). He who does so is a Faasiq (sinner) and to shorten it less than a fist length is Makruh Tahrimi (near Haraam).’ (Dari Aur Ambiyaa Ki Sunnate, Mufti Saeed Palanpuri).

‘A’isha (RA) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Ten are the acts according to fitra (nature): clipping the moustache, letting the beard grow, using the tooth-stick, snuffing water in the nose, cutting the nails, washing the finger joints, plucking the hair under the armpits, shaving the pubes and cleaning one’s private parts with water.” The narrator said: “I have forgotten the tenth, but it may have been rinsing the mouth.”(Muslim, Book 002, Number 0502)

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (RA):

Allah’s Apostle said, “Cut the moustaches short and leave the beard (as it is).”
(Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 72, Number 781)

Ibn Umar (RA) said:

The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Act against the polytheists, trim closely the moustache and grow beard.” (Muslim Book 002, Number 0500)

Abdullah Ibn Umar (RA) used to cut that portion (which exceeds the grip of the hand) of the beard. (Tirmidhi)

Narrated Nafi'(RA):

Ibn Umar (RA) said, The Prophet said, ‘Do the opposite of what the pagans do. Keep the beards and cut the moustaches short.’ Whenever Ibn ‘Umar performed the Hajj or ‘Umra, he used to hold his beard with his hand and cut whatever and moustaches. Ibn Umar used to cut his moustache so short that the whiteness of his skin (above the upper lip) was visible, and he used to cut (the hair) between his moustaches and his beard.
(Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 72, Number 780)

Why Is It That Men May Grow Beard But Shave Moustaches:

The beard is something that helps to distinguish between the young and old. It is an adornment for men and it perfects their countenance. Therefore, it must be grown. To shave the beards is the fashion of the magians (non-Muslims), and it implies a manipulation of Allah’s creation. When the chiefs and the important personalities shave their beards they look mean and lowly. All the prophets (AS) and righteous people grew beards. If there is any good in shaving beard, they would have been the first to shave their beards because these people presents themselves as an example for other people and guide to what is best and ideal.

As for the moustaches, it is necessary to trim them because those who keep big moustaches find remnants of what they eat and drink lodged in them. Moustaches are usually dirty and untidy. This is also the style of non-Muslims. As the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has mentioned:

“Act against the polytheists, trim closely the moustache and grow beard.”

(The Wisdom Behind The Commands Of Islam Pg. 345,346)

And Only Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.

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Moulana Qamruz Zaman
London, UK