Is it permissible to read salah behind an imam who trims his beard?

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

Answer

To shave or to trim ones beard less than a fist is unlawful and a very big sin.

The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam has said:

“Oppose the idol worshippers, lengthen your beards and cut your moustache.” (Sahih Bukhari P.875 V.2)

Such a person will be considered a faasiq (transgressor) according to the Shariah and it will be Makruh Tahrimi to read salah behind him.

(Raddul Muhtar P.298 v.2)

One should read their salah in such a mosque where the imam does not shave or trims his beard. However, because of some necessity if a person reads his salah behind such an imam then it will be permissible and more preferable to read behind him than reading it by himself. (Raddul Muhtar P.299 V.2)

An additional point to remember is that if a person did read behind such an imam who shaves or trims his beard it will not be necessary to repeat the salah.

Mufti Habibur Rahman, a senior mufti of Darul Uloom Deoband gives the following reasons why a person would not need to repeat his salah: 

1. The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam has said: “Read salah behind every pious person and transgressor.” (Surah Abu Dawud P.95 V.1)
2. When the insurgents (Baghee’s) surrounded Saaiduna Uthman Radiallahu Anhu’s house. The sahabas continued to read their salah behind them.
3. There is a possibility that by not reading behind such an imam it might cause fitnah or differences in the community and Islam has prohibited from creating fitnah.
4. It is not mentioned in any hadith, that such a salah that has been performed with severe detestability (Makruh Tahrimi) has to be repeated. The ruling written by Allahmah Ibn Abedeen Shami (RA) “Every salah which is performed with detestability has to be repeated.” (Raddul Muhtar p.147 v.2) Applies where the salah has become Makruh by missing one of the obligatory (wajib) actions of salah.

(Masaail Imamat P.141) 

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham