Is it permissible to shave the beard if keeping it causes harm to the bearded man?
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The questioner : May Allah reward you with good. Many of the brothers, O Shaykh, ask this question: What about one who is compelled to shave his beard for certain reasons, and if he does not shave it, he will be harmed in his person and his wealth? Is it permissible for him to shave it?
The Shaykh : I say first: This suspicion held by some people has no basis. Some people say, "I fear that if I enter such-and-such a country while bearded, I will be tortured or imprisoned or something similar." But this is a delusion from Shaytan, because that country which he says he fears entering to be tortured is entered by people we know, who are bearded, and they are not harmed. This is considered a delusion on the part of the questioner or the one who suspects it; it has no reality. It is not permissible for him, based on this delusion, to shave his beard. Yes, if they said when this man entered the country, "Either you shave your beard or we will imprison you," then at that point it is permissible for him to shave it. But he shaves it to avert coercion, to avert coercion, because Allah the Exalted permitted a person to disbelieve to avert coercion. He said:[An-Nahl 16:106] So the one who is coerced to shave his beard, meaning he is detained and told, "Shave or we will imprison you," there is no doubt that his heart is not pleased with shaving, but he is coerced into it. So if he does it to avert coercion, there is no sin on him.
As for a delusion where he fears he will be detained, this does not permit him to commit the forbidden, because committing the forbidden is certain, and this delusion is not certain.
The Shaykh : I say first: This suspicion held by some people has no basis. Some people say, "I fear that if I enter such-and-such a country while bearded, I will be tortured or imprisoned or something similar." But this is a delusion from Shaytan, because that country which he says he fears entering to be tortured is entered by people we know, who are bearded, and they are not harmed. This is considered a delusion on the part of the questioner or the one who suspects it; it has no reality. It is not permissible for him, based on this delusion, to shave his beard. Yes, if they said when this man entered the country, "Either you shave your beard or we will imprison you," then at that point it is permissible for him to shave it. But he shaves it to avert coercion, to avert coercion, because Allah the Exalted permitted a person to disbelieve to avert coercion. He said:
Whoever disbelieves in Allah after his belief... except for one who is forced [to renounce his religion] while his heart is secure in faith. But those who [willingly] open their breasts to disbelief, upon them is wrath from Allah
من كفر بالله من بعد إيمانه إلا من أكره وقلبه مطئمن بالإيمان ولكن من شرح بالكفر صدرا فعليهم غضب من اللهAs for a delusion where he fears he will be detained, this does not permit him to commit the forbidden, because committing the forbidden is certain, and this delusion is not certain.