What is the ruling on growing and shaving the beard, and is the one who shaves it considered an infidel?

Shaving the beard is considered forbidden by the Hanafis, Malikis, and Hanbalis, and a valid opinion among the Shafi'is. As for complete laisser-faire (allowing the beard to grow freely), most jurists permit trimming what exceeds a fistful. Some scholars are of the view that laisser-faire is achieved by the beard's density sufficient to cover only the jawbones. Merely shaving the beard is not disbelief (kufr), and it is not permissible to declare Muslims disbelievers for committing forbidden acts. Indeed, the perpetrator of a grave sin does not become a disbeliever by it unless he deems it permissible (halal), and his affair is with Allah.