Question
It is said that the beard should be a fist long and excess of this is an innovation. What is the proof for saying otherwise; that growing a beard greater than a fist-length is legislated?
Answer
Allah commanded the Muslim men to grow the beard. The Prophet said: ‘Oppose the Polytheists and leave your beard in its original state.’ [Bukhari 5892]
And the Prophet said: ‘Shorten your moustache and let your beard keep on growing.’ [Bukhari 5893]
And the Prophet said: ‘Shorten your moustache and let your beard grow completely.’ [Muslim 602]
And the Prophet said: ‘Shorten your moustache and let your beards hang (i.e. do not trim them).’ [Muslim 260]
If somebody can present any evidence where the Prophet opposed Allah’s command by permitting himself or his Ummah to trim or shape their beard, then we can give it some attention. Otherwise, no one’s speech or action holds any merit in Islam, for the only speech and action we have been commanded to follow is that of the Prophet. Allah said: ‘Follow, [O mankind], what has been revealed to you from your Lord and do not follow other than Him any allies. Little do you remember.’ [7:3]