Fatwa #22579 February 2001United Kingdom
Many people have told me that "one is judged on the society and times in which one lives". Is this true or not? reference? Length of beard
Question
I have asked for reference so that I can pass on the reply with reference as it is the belief of many brothers i know, but i am unsure about it as they say this to me when talking about the length of ones beard etc. jazaak allah khair.
Answer
It is true that in Shari'ah, certain Masaail (rulings) are based on Urf
(prevailing conditions) but very stringent conditions attached to this
principle prevent general application as is being commonly done today.
One of the conditions being non-contradiction to any explicit text (Qur'aan
and Hadith). Shortening of the beard lesser than one fist length will not
fall under this principle due to direct contradiction of explicit Ahaadith.
Application of this principle can only be done by a Mufti or Aalim (scholar)
well versed in the principles of Shari'ah and prevailing conditions. The
people you have described seem to be abusing this principle to follow their
own agendas, therefore we advise you to be cautious in dealing with them.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.
(prevailing conditions) but very stringent conditions attached to this
principle prevent general application as is being commonly done today.
One of the conditions being non-contradiction to any explicit text (Qur'aan
and Hadith). Shortening of the beard lesser than one fist length will not
fall under this principle due to direct contradiction of explicit Ahaadith.
Application of this principle can only be done by a Mufti or Aalim (scholar)
well versed in the principles of Shari'ah and prevailing conditions. The
people you have described seem to be abusing this principle to follow their
own agendas, therefore we advise you to be cautious in dealing with them.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.