Is it permissible to apply to a military academy that requires shaving the beard permanently, knowing that the alternative is to join mixed-gender universities?
Joining military colleges requires a precise jurisprudential balance between benefits and harms. The first to be consulted regarding this are the trustworthy scholars who are knowledgeable about the realities of affairs in the questioner's country. Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen was asked about the ruling on shaving the beard to remain in the army, and he replied that the issue is problematic. If he were to leave the army, a wicked or innovater would take his place. If he were to shave his beard and remain, there are many benefits in that, including preventing the wicked, corrupt, and evil innovator from being in this dangerous position, and mitigating evil and corruption. He concluded that balancing between the two options requires deep knowledge of the Sharia and its objectives, and a precise understanding of reality, and this can only be attained from the scholars in the country.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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