Should I grow a beard when I have the right intention and know that i will be fully committed to keeping it?
Question
Asalamalaikum. I understand that keeping the beard is required, but sometimes it is very difficult to do so in the west. Sometimes i grow it, then shave it off and then grow it again and then shave it off...is what I'm doing more haram than not keeping a beard at all? Also, Should i decide not to keep a beard until i think im ready to make the commitment 100%? JazakAllah
Answer
Respected Brother-in-Islam
Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuhu
Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) has stated, 'A time is approaching when a practiser upon my Sunnah will be like holding onto an ember.'
It is obvious that in such an environment due to the difficulty, one practising upon the Sunnah will attain greater rewards. You should, therefore, continue to try and be practical. The more one tries, the more hope there is that he will gain the help of Allah Ta'ala. Therefore, we advise you to allow your beard to grow and continue making Du'aa to Allah Ta 'ala to grant you Tawfeeq (ability) and Istiqaamah (steadfastness) to let it remain. With constant Du'aas, Insha Allah, you will find the strength to practise on this Sunnah of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam). Before shaving off your beard, you should ponder on what you are about to do. If, despite deliberation, you shave it off, you should make repentance (Tawbah) to Allah and make a firm intention to keep it thereafter.
May Allah Ta'ala grant you and ourselves the strength and ability to practise on our beloved Deen of Islam.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
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- Mufti Ebrahim Desai
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