What is the ruling on shaving the beard, and is leaving it a sin?

It is obligatory to grow a beard, and it is forbidden to shave it, in order to differ from the polytheists and to obey the command of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, as stated in the Hadith: "Differ from the polytheists, let your beards grow full, and trim your mustaches." Allah Almighty has warned against disobeying His command. A Muslim is required to adhere steadfastly to Allah's command and not be influenced by the multitude of those who disobey. Whoever holds fast to his religion in a time when many shave their beards will have a great reward, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Indeed, Islam began as something strange and will return as something strange. So blessed are the strangers who correct what people corrupted of my Sunnah after me."