Is it permissible to trim the beard, even if it is long?

The questioner : A questioner says: Is it permissible to trim the beard, even if it is longer than two hand spans?

The Shaykh : Yes, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: and he did not permit cutting it or shaving it. As for what is reported from 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) "that when he performed Hajj or 'Umrah, he would grasp his beard and cut off what exceeded the hand span", this is from his action (may Allah be pleased with him), and one argues with his narration, not his opinion. Furthermore, he did not do this constantly, but only during the rites of pilgrimage, so it is not used as evidence for the permissibility of trimming the beard. Yes, if it were to grow to a length that is disfiguring, for example reaching his leg, then there is no harm in cutting what is disfiguring. However, if it is of the kind that is customary, and people do not find it strange or consider it a defect, then he should not take anything from it. Yes.