Fatwa #168777 July 2008United States of America
I have a Skin disorder which makes it difficult for me to keep a beard
Question
I know that keeping a beard is wajib but what if you have a skin disorder which causes itchy and flaky red skin under the beard. This skin starts coming off and leaves patches of skin that are red that burn and the skin peels off. there is also patches of hair that fall out. In this case is it okay to trim the beard or shave it. Since this at least stops the peeling off of skin.
Answer
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
We advice you to consult a reliable Muslim dermatologist (physicians specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin and its appendages) and find out if any treatment could be carry out without you trimming or shaving the beard. Kindly let us know the advice of dermatologist. We will advise thereafter.
May Allah grant you completely Shifaa and recuperation.
And Allah knows best
Wassalam
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa