Is changing one's appearance, trimming one's beard, and concealing the Salafi methodology considered deception or lying, and is guiding youth to read Salafi books and browse Salafi websites, while feigning affiliation with another Islamic movement, considered a sin?

When dealing with others, one must distinguish between mudaraah (courtesy/gentle persuasion) and mudahanah (compromise/flattery for evil). Mudaraah means being gentle to extract truth or repel falsehood. It is a praiseworthy quality of the people of faith, like a doctor who treats a patient gently. As for mudahanah, it means being gentle to agree with falsehood, and it is a blameworthy quality of the hypocrites. The duty is to convey the religion of Allah with wisdom while adhering to the Salafi methodology, without compromising on fundamental principles or committing sins. Regarding the shortening of the beard, there is concern that it might be a step towards compromising on Sunnahs, unless the shortening is for what exceeds a fistful and achieves a legitimate Shar’i benefit for da’wah in foreign lands, while being careful not to abandon Sunnahs that can be practiced. If your matter is discovered, then continue to convey the truth and be patient with what befalls you.