What is the ruling on completely shaving the mustache?

Scholars have differed on the ruling of completely shaving the mustache. The Hanafis permit it, while the Malikis and Shafi'is consider it impermissible, stating that the Sunnah (definition) is to trim it until the edge of the lip becomes visible. The evidence for those who permit shaving is what Muslim narrated from Abu Hurayrah and Ibn 'Umar, that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Trim your mustaches" and "Reduce your mustaches considerably." They interpreted "reduce considerably," "shave," and "trim" as complete removal. As for the evidence of those who deem complete removal impermissible, it is their interpretation of "trim," "shave," and "reduce considerably" as shortening what exceeds the edge of the lip. Some scholars have opined that there is a choice, but the stronger opinion is that trimming is preferable to shaving, based on his, peace and blessings be upon him, saying: "and shortening the mustache." As for the ends of the mustache (the "sabalan"), scholars have differed on whether they are part of the mustache or the beard. The stronger opinion is that they take the ruling of the mustache, based on his, peace and blessings be upon him, saying: "Trim your sabalan."