I am a Multazim (practicing Muslim);

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Q: I am a Muslim young man. I would like to grow my beard, but my father opposes me strongly. I read in Sahih Muslim that growing the beard is one of Sunan-ul-Fitrah (Islamic practices of personal hygiene). In the explanation of Imam Al-Nawawy he said, "There are some Makruh (disliked) matters concerning the beard, such as shaving it, dyeing it in black, and plucking white hairs out of it." However, he did not make it clear whether this reprehensibility is considered a prohibition or just a preference. Should I grow the beard, or obey my parents? Please advise, may Allah reward you!

A: Praise be to Allah Alone, and may peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, his family and Companions! Shaving one's beard is Haram (prohibited); it should not be done for the sake of a father or a chief, as obedience should be only in Ma`ruf (that which is judged as good, beneficial, or fitting by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect). The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, There is no obedience due to any creature in matters involving Allah's disobedience. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.