Siddiq Adam

In an era where appearances often eclipse greater virtues and modern and traditional approaches clash, the topic of keeping a beard has become a matter of dispute among practicing Muslims. While the importance of the beard is evident from the practice of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and his companions, legitimate differences of opinion exist amongst scholars regarding its specific requirements and rulings.

Strict interpretations are commonly ascribed to the Hanafi school, perhaps influenced by the cultural practices of certain regions of the Muslim world. Fatwas mandating the necessity of keeping the beard at a fist-length have become widespread. Coupled with appeals to consensus and labelling offenders as open sinners, this stance leads to grave consequences and discord within the community. However, such a strict practice is neither prevalent nor the main teaching in many other regions where the Hanafi school dominates. Have these scholars abandoned their school’s opinion, or has modernity lessened its practical weight? Or does there exist a different explanation from within the school itself?

In this ground breaking work, Shaykh Salah Abu al-Hajj, a foremost expert on Hanafi jurisprudence, examines the evidences, sources, and conclusions on the matter within the school. He explores the specific requirements of keeping the beard in the contexts of the meanings of sunna, imitating women and non-Muslims, social integrity, customary practices, and general necessity, demonstrating the intricacies of the Hanafi school. Shaykh Salah clears the path for Muslims-and Hanafis in particular-to finally settle this dispute and focus on addressing the greater challenges facing the umma.