Q: We would like to ask about the proper shape of the moustache according to Islam, as we heard from some honorable scholars that it is a Bid`ah (innovation in religion) to shave it off completely, and that it is considered deformation of one's hair. In his book Zad Al-Ma`ad, Ibn Al-Qayyim (may Allah be merciful to him) said that cutting all of the moustache is better than trimming the part which exceeds the lips. Which of the two opinions is better and stronger?

A: All Praise be to Allah Alone and may peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, his family and Companions! It is authentically reported in the two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith (i.e. Al-Bukhari and Muslim), on the authority of Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, Be unlike the Mushriks (polytheists); grow the beards and cut the moustaches short. It is reported in Sahih Muslim on the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said, The Prophet (peace be upon him) told us to cut the moustaches short, clip the nails, remove the hair under the armpits and shave the pubic hair at least every forty days. It is also reported in Sahih Muslim on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated, Trim the moustaches and grow the beards, in order to be unlike the Magians. Al-Tirmidhy narrated the Hadith of Zayd ibn Arqam where he said that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated, Whoever does not trim his moustache is not one of us (i.e. the Muslims). He said it is Sahih (a Hadith that has been transmitted by people known for their uprightness and exactitude; free from eccentricity and blemish).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.