The Relationship Between the Beard and Leading Prayer: Explained with Islamic Proofs
Source: Fatāwā Muḥammadiyyah, Volume 1, Page 859
❖ Question:
Is having a beard a condition for leading prayer (imāmah)? If so, provide a detailed and evidence-based answer.
✿ Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. To proceed:
According to Islamic teachings, shaving the beard or trimming it below a fist-length is considered an act of disobedience (fisq). A person who shaves his beard is classified as a fāsiq (open sinner), and it is not permissible in Sharīʿah to appoint a fāsiq as the Imām of prayer.
This is supported by a clear statement of the Prophet ﷺ:
"اجعلوا أئمتكم خياركم."
Nayl al-Awṭār, Vol. 3, Pg. 162
Translation:
"Appoint the best among you as your Imāms (prayer leaders).”
Hence, it is necessary for an Imām to be righteous (ṣāliḥ), God-fearing (muttaqī), and outwardly compliant with the rules of Sharīʿah.
Since shaving the beard or trimming it less than a fist is considered fisq, such a person is not qualified to lead the prayer.
However, if one happens to offer prayer behind someone who trims or shaves the beard, the prayer is still valid, but intentionally appointing such a person as an Imām is not permissible.
This is what I understand. And Allah knows best what is correct.
هٰذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
