Q: Thanks to Allah, I let my beard grow, shortened my clothes and wore a turban to follow the Prophet (peace be upon him). What is strange is that many people denied this and laughed at me for taking off the Ghutrah (a traditional white cotton headdress worn by men in some Arab countries), the Shimagh (the red-and-white checkered headdress) and the headband. They look at me with ridicule and condemnation.Did the Prophet (peace be upon him) wear a turban? Is it a stressed Sunnah? Does the turban fit our time? How did the Prophet (peace be upon him) wear the turban? Was it in colors of black or white? Am I to blame for wearing it or if I urged my people to wear it?Guide me, may Allah guide and reward you well!

A: Praise be to Allah Who guided you to follow the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet). Letting the beard grow is Wajib (obligatory) for it is of the prophets' Sunan (Pl. of Sunnah) and Sunan-ul-Fitrah (Islamic practices of personal hygiene). The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade shaving or clipping the beard, for this (Part No. 24; Page No. 43) entails resemblance to the Kafirs (non-Muslims). As for shortening the clothes, it is Wajib to shorten them to the ankles; what is left beneath the ankles is considered Isbal (lengthening and trailing clothing below the ankles) and is Haram (forbidden) and of the major sins. As for wearing turbans, this is of the permissible things, and not a Sunnah as you think. It is more preferable to wear what your people wear on their heads like the Ghutrah, Shimagh and the like.Concerning people making fun of you on account of your commitment to your religion and keenness to follow the Sunnah, you should pay no attention to them. May Allah guide you and us to the best understanding of religion and following the Sunnah of the Master of Prophets!May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.