Title: Shaving the Beard - is it a Sin? Question/Comments: Do you then think that by completely shaving ones beard, a man is changing what our Creator, has created and therefore committing a sin, for which he will be held accountable?? Mohammed Amjid Khan Answer: I may ascribe to a particular opinion with reference to beards or moustaches, yet a deviation from my opinion would not by itself render it a sin. A particular action, especially when it is not a deviation from any of the express directives of the Shari`ah , becomes sinful only when the person, who is taking that action considers that particular action to be contrary to the directives of God and, even after this awareness, persists doing that action. Because I consider beard to be one of the distinctive apparent and physical features between men and women, I am of the opinion that as a part of his nature, man should grow a beard. However, people may disagree with me, as a number of them do. My opinion is obviously not the criteria for judging the actions of others. On the contrary, each man's actions will be judged according to his knowledge and awareness. Keeping the foregoing explanation in perspective, I would not like to comment on whether or not shaving one's beard is a sinful act or not. I would only reiterate that in view of my opinion, I consider it 'recommended' for a man to grow a beard. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad November 16, 2001