Back to search

What is the ruling on trimming the beard if the employer requests it, while allowing the employee to perform prayers in the mosque?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

It is forbidden to shave, trim, or thin the beard, due to the evidence for the obligation of letting it grow and of differing from the disbelievers. Indeed, it is narrated on the authority of Ibn 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Differ from the polytheists, let the beards grow full, and trim the moustaches closely." It is not permissible to obey the employer if he orders the thinning of the beard, because it is an act of disobedience. One must be patient and clarify the Shariah ruling. If the employer insists, and letting the beard grow means losing the job, then if you find another job, leave the current one seeking the pleasure of Allah. If you do not find another job, then it is hoped that you will be excused for thinning it due to necessity and extreme need, while limiting the thinning to the least possible extent.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

Read the full answer on Ftawy