trimming beard shorter than fist size: is it major sin or minor

Name

Question:

To trim one's beard shorter than a fist in size: is it a major sin or minor?

Answer:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As Muslims, we should not get into the argument of whether a particular sin is a minor sin or a major sin. All sins are destructive, whether big or small. Sins are like fire: just like a big fire can cause destruction, a fire that is initially small can also become huge and cause major destruction. How many house fires are caused by small sparks (due to electrical faults etc)? In Australia, how many huge and devastating bushfires are caused by tiny sparks and flames? Just like one should never underestimate these small sparks and flames, one should also never underestimate the devastating effects of so called 'minor sins'; and just like these small flames and sparks can cause major destruction, the minor sins can also have devastating effects on one's spirituality. Hence, a Muslim must always try his best to abstain from all sins, whether major or minor.

Also, read this answer:

http://www.fatwa.org.au/praying-behind-imam-who-trims-or-shaves-beard-importance-of-beard.html

And Allah knows best

Mufti Faizal Riza

11/12/2012

Darul Ifta Australia

www.mufti-online.net

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