Is it permissible to shave the beard to please one's parents and avoid their anger, even if this contradicts what the questioner believes to be the ruling on shaving the beard, and would that be considered disobedience?

Shaving the beard is unlawful, and letting it grow is obligatory. Obedience to the Creator takes precedence over obedience to the created, for there is no obedience to a creature in disobedience to the Creator. The parents' anger about letting the beard grow stems from emotion and fear. However, injuries are often caused by provocation and involvement in discord, not by letting the beard grow. One must adhere to the truth and continue to let the beard grow in obedience to Allah, avoid sources of provocation and discord, and rely upon Allah. Allah Almighty says: {And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent} (65:2-3) and {And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him ease in his affair} (65:4). Honoring parents and apologizing to them with gentleness and good manners is required. Allah's pleasure and obedience to Him are paramount, and there is no obedience to a creature in disobedience to the Creator, even if they command polytheism, their obedience is not obligatory in that, rather, one must accompany them with kindness.