Q: What is the ruling on letting the beard grow in Islam? Is there any sin upon a person who shaves it?

A: All praise be to Allah Alone, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, his family and Companions. It was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Trim closely the moustache, and grow beard, and thus act against the fire-worshippers. (Related by Ahmad and Muslim) The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Do the opposite of what the pagans do. Keep the beards and cut the moustaches short. (Related by Ahmad, Al-Bukhari and Muslim) The correct opinion is that the command in these two Hadiths indicates obligation as is the basic rule regarding any Prophetic command. Moreover, there are certain indications that confirm the obligation in these two Hadiths. Therefore, whoever shaves his beard commits a sin and according to the consensus of Muslims violates the upright nature.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.