What is the ruling on braiding the beard's hair?

It has been authentically reported from the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, a severe warning against anyone who braids his beard. The meaning of "braiding his beard" (عقد لحيته) is to plait it or treat it so that it becomes knotted and curly. This may be an action of the arrogant, or of effeminate men, or because it is a custom of non-Arabs. Some scholars have considered braiding the beard among the disliked characteristics.