Is it permissible to trim the beard for the purpose of da'wah (inviting to Islam), especially if common people believe that a bearded person is a religious specialist, which might make the presence of the da'i (inviter) among them with a light beard more acceptable and influential? This is in analogy with the words of Ibn Taymiyyah in "Iqtidha' As-Sirat Al-Mustaqim" regarding the permissibility of participating with disbelievers in their outward customs for a religious benefit. And does this ruling apply to someone living in lands of disbelief or lands of fear where bearded people are persecuted?

The words of Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah regarding opposing non-Muslims are specific to a Muslim residing in a land of disbelief and war, and what is attached to it, such as the constriction placed upon the upright in some Islamic countries. As for normal circumstances, the matter is different, and opposing non-Muslims occurs with the clear manifestation and ascendancy of the religion.

And "Islam began as a stranger and will return as a stranger as it began, so blessed are the strangers." Its meaning is that Islam in its beginning was strange due to the scarcity of its people and its being fought against, and it will return as a stranger at the end of time due to the scarcity of those who uphold it, so whoever adheres to it will be like one grasping a burning coal.

Jurists have differed regarding trimming the beard; some permitted it, while others disliked it. Trimming it for a valid purpose, such as a Sharia-related interest, is subject to consideration and independent reasoning (ijtihad).