Was it narrated from any of the Four Imams that it is permissible to trim the beard to less than a fistful, and what is the evidence of contemporary scholars who shorten the beard to less than a fistful, and how should they be refuted?

We have not come across any statement from the Imams that defines the beard as less than a fistful. Rather, different statements have been transmitted from them concerning the beard, including:

- Muhammad narrated from Abu Hanifa: "The beard should be left to grow thick, and its Sunnah (definition) is that a man takes what exceeds a fistful." - Ibn al-Qasim said: "Malik did not deem it obligatory to take from the beard, but he considered it recommended, and if it became very long, he was of the opinion that some should be taken from it." - Al-Shafi'i said: "Taking from the beard does not necessitate repeating the ablution; it is an increase in cleanliness." - Imam Ahmad said: "What exceeds a fistful should be taken from the beard, and some should be taken from its length and from below the throat."

We have previously clarified the weakness of the opinion held by a group of contemporary scholars who define the beard as less than a fistful.