The Shar‘i Length of the Beard and Its Sunnah Measure
Source: Fatāwā Rashidiyyah, p. 510
❖ Question:
What should be the length of the beard according to Sharī‘ah?
❖ Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh, ammā ba‘d!
Allah Almighty has commanded that the beard be left to grow; hence, keeping a beard is farḍ (obligatory).
✿ Definition of Beard
- The beard refers to the hair on the cheeks and chin.
- Its area includes:
➊ From the right eye’s edge down to the bottom of the chin.
➋ From the left eye’s edge down to the bottom of the chin.
➌ Hair on both cheeks and along the jawline.
This is also confirmed in the Arabic linguistic definition of liḥyah.
◈ Therefore:
- Those who shape the beard unnaturally by drawing lines or removing cheek hair commit an impermissible act.
- Such trimming or “lining” is not allowed in Sharī‘ah.
✿ Length of the Beard
Allah says:
﴿لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِى رَسُولِ اللَّـهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّـهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّـهَ كَثِيرًا﴾ (Al-Aḥzāb: 21)
“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah is a beautiful example for you—for whoever hopes in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often.”
- Looking at the Prophetic example in hadith, it is reported that the beard of the Prophet ﷺ reached his chest.
- This indicates the Shar‘i length: the beard should be grown until it reaches the chest.
- If it exceeds beyond this, it may be trimmed, as the essential Shar‘i measure is what the Prophet ﷺ himself practiced.
Conclusion
- Keeping a beard is farḍ.
- Its definition includes the cheeks, jaw, and chin.
- Shaving or “lining” the cheeks is impermissible.
- The Sunnah length is that the beard grows until it reaches the chest, in accordance with the practice of the Prophet ﷺ.
