What is your response to those who say that shaving the beard is forbidden, that the fast of one who abandons prayer is unacceptable, and that one who shortens his garment is in the Hellfire, and at the same time says that religion is ease?

The primary reference for Sharia rulings is the Quran and Sunnah. The prohibition of shaving the beard and lowering the garment below the ankles (isbal) is established by evidence from the Sunnah. The statement that there is no benefit in the fast of one who abandons prayer is based on considering him a disbeliever, which is the opinion of some scholars, while the majority believe he is not a disbeliever and that his fast is valid. Adhering to these rulings does not contradict the ease of religion; rather, it is ease for whoever adheres to it with sincerity and devotion, in accordance with His, the Almighty's, saying: "We will ease him toward ease."