Q. Is wearing a beard obligatory or a Sunnah? If a young man is told by his parents not to wear a beard, some scholars advise that he must pay no attention to their request. In a certain case I know, the father has threatened to cut off all relations with his son if he wears a beard. Please comment.
A. Shaza
A. Some scholars maintain that wearing a beard is obligatory for all Muslim men. However, there is little solid evidence to support this view, which is based on a very restrictive interpretation of a particular Hadith. There is no doubt that the Hadith is authentic. However, it allows for a more sound and easier interpretation, particularly when taken in conjunction with other similar Hadiths relating to a Muslim’s appearance and body care. In fact the maximum that should be said about wearing a beard is that it is a Sunnah, or recommended by the Prophet (peace be upon him). This means that it is something that we do to increase our reward, but its omission does not involve disobedience to God or His messenger, nor does it incur any punishment.
When a young man is of an age to have a beard, he is responsible for performing his Islamic duties. No one should interfere with him, more than giving advice and encouragement to fulfil his duties and to add whatever he can of recommended practices. The same applies to young women. Similarly, no one should interfere so as to prevent such young men and women from doing their Islamic duties. Such fulfilment of duties is a personal obligation.
Having said that, one should look at each case in its own circumstances. One should ask why the parents in this case are taking such a hard attitude when the matter is one of personal choice. It could be the influence that is gripping our world today, with the onslaught on Islam from various quarters. The criticism leveled at the so-called Islamic fundamentalism and the repetitive association between Islam and terrorism in the world media have made young Muslims suspect in many countries. Wearing a beard features highly in such suspicions. It may be that the parents in this case are worried lest their son should be taken on suspicion. If so, their point of view should be taken very seriously. Unfortunately, even in a number of Muslim countries, wearing a beard has become a symbol of extremism. Therefore, young Muslim men should consider their position carefully. If they remain clean-shaven in order to avoid being labelled by hostile authorities, this may take preference over the performance of the Sunnah of wearing a beard. Similarly, if a young man feels that he could present a more acceptable image of Islam by remaining clean-shaven, this option should be seriously considered.
A Gender Issue
Q. In an article published a few weeks ago, the writer spoke about the way we should pray for a departed relative or friend. The whole article, however, was in the masculine form, using masculine pronouns. I wonder how we should pray for departed females. Do we change the pronoun so as to indicate the person’s sex, or retain the same form?
(Name and address withheld)
A. Gender issues have become very sensitive in recent years because of the call to maintain equality between men and women. Islam established this equality right from the first day. There are certain differences between men and women, due to their different constitutions and to their roles in the family and society. These roles are mutually complementary. Neither is superior to the other. If you look very carefully at Islamic legislation you will conclude that whatever difference there is between men and women is due to such different roles, with the advantage always given to the woman, because she is the weaker partner in the relation between men and women.
The Qur’anic address is made in two forms: One is feminine, when the address is meant for women only, and the other is masculine, which is aimed at both men and women in equal measure. There is no form of address that is meant to men only, either in the Qur’an or the Hadith. If only men are addressed, this is clearly indicated in the text. Therefore, when we see a verse of the Qur’an or Hadith speaking in the masculine form, we take it as addressed to both men and women, unless there is clear evidence restricting it. In the prayers I mentioned, these apply to both men and women. Of course when you are praying for a departed woman relative or friend, and you wish to pray for her, you change the pronoun so as to use the feminine form, even though the prayer is stated in the masculine form.