Does the narration in Sahih Muslim: "It was commanded to provide" definitively settle the debate regarding the obligation of growing the beard and trimming the mustache, or does the fact that they are considered manners divert them from being obligatory? And does the variation in the wordings of the five narrations of the hadith about the beard imply that the Prophet commanded it?

Much has been said regarding the obligation of growing the beard, and there are multiple imperative verbs used to command it: "allow to hang down," "make abundant," "let grow," "leave," and "fulfill." All of these mean to leave the beard as it is. The multiplicity of these imperative verbs is a strong indication that the command is for obligation, not mere recommendation. In addition, some scholars have reported the consensus of the ulema on the obligation of growing the beard.

Based on the premise that commands in matters of etiquette are for recommendation, this applies only where there is no evidence indicating obligation. However, the available evidence regarding growing the beard (the multiplicity of imperative verbs, the reason given for it being to differ from the polytheists, and the consensus of the scholars) indicates that the command to grow the beard is for obligation, not mere recommendation.