Is it blameworthy for one who shortened his hair and did not shave?

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success. He says: I performed 'Umrah and then shortened the hair on my head, so some of my brothers criticized me and said, "Why don't you hasten to do good by shaving your head?" His question is: Is it blameworthy for me to shorten my hair, knowing that I am a student of knowledge?

Answer:
No, those who criticize you are ignorant. As for saying that shaving is better, yes, shaving is better. But they criticize you for something Allah has prescribed: shaving your heads and shortening them. He (peace and blessings be upon him) prayed for those who shortened their hair once and for those who shaved three times. So shortening is permissible and recommended, and it is not blameworthy for one who does it. But if it is said to him that shaving is better, there is no harm. Yes.