Is it permissible to trim the beard and shorten its edges while keeping it of medium length and grown, even if it does not reach a fistful? Is the hair located under the lower lip in the middle considered part of the beard? And is a Muslim absolutely forbidden from trimming or tidying his beard?

Firstly, the evidence indicates the obligation of letting the beard grow and leaving it, which means not taking anything from it. It was not authentically reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, that he ever took anything from his beard. Shaving the beard is forbidden due to explicit hadiths and narrations, and due to the prohibition of imitating the disbelievers. There is a consensus on the obligation of trimming the mustache and letting the beard grow. Some scholars are of the opinion that taking anything from it is forbidden, while others permit taking what exceeds a fistful.

Secondly, scholars differed on whether the 'anfaqah (the hair below the lower lip and above the chin) is included in the beard. The apparent view is that it is not part of it. In Al-Qamus Al-Muhit, it states: "Al-Lihyah (beard), with kasra, is the hair of the cheeks and the chin." Ibn 'Uthaymin said: "The 'anfaqah is not part of the beard; it remains as it is, unless it causes discomfort to a person."

Thirdly, there is nothing strange in the command to let the beard grow and leave it as it is, even if it is not fully grown or is sparse. Leaving it as it is makes it an adornment and beauty regardless of its shape. Trimming and styling it may diminish its beauty. A Muslim must submit to the ruling of Sharia. The Companions used to let their beards grow without trimming or shortening them, and they did not consider that a flaw. It is stated in the hadith: "Indeed, every creation of Allah Almighty is beautiful."