What is the ruling on shaving or trimming the beard to avert dangers such as arrest and prevention from studying or working? And is fearing for one's future considered a deficiency in faith or shirk (polytheism)?

A Muslim should remain steadfast in their religion, occupy themselves with memorizing and understanding the Quran, associate with righteous people, maintain prayer in the mosque, and attend gatherings of knowledge. They should resolve to perform acts of obedience and avoid sins, and ensure they recite the evening remembrances and the supplications for leaving the home.

If growing a beard causes certain harm, such as death, displacement, imprisonment, or torture, and the Muslim cannot avert this harm except by trimming or shaving the beard, then it is permissible for them to resort to trimming. Shaving is not permissible unless it is proven that trimming does not avert the harm. In this case, shaving becomes a necessity, and necessities are assessed according to their measure. The Muslim should remain eager for the necessity to cease so that they can return to growing their beard.

As for growing a beard, it must be purely for the sake of Allah Almighty. If one performs their actions sincerely for Allah and people praise them unintentionally, there is no harm in it; rather, it is among the immediate good tidings for the believer.