The ruling on shaving the beard out of fear of harm or imprisonment

This letter is from its author, who also says: The listener (S. M. S) is Egyptian and works on a farm in al-Qassim in al-Bukayriyah. He says in his letter: I follow the program "Light on the Path," and I learned from the scholars that the beard is a recommended practice, that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded it, and that shaving it is forbidden. I grew my beard, but my brother sent me a message saying: If you want to visit us, shave your beard; because there is a decision with us to eliminate Islamic groups, and this decision includes all bearded men. Is it permissible for me to shave it or leave it, and may Allah reward you with the best reward?
Answer: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded to let the beard grow, to keep it full, and to let it hang down, and praise be to Allah who guided you to this great matter. This is a recommended practice that is part of what Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) has legislated , and it is from the way of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). It is a recommended practice in the sense that it is among the deeds of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and it is obligatory; because the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded it, so it is obligatory. Letting it grow and hanging it down is an obligatory command.
So the obligation upon all Muslims is to let the beard grow, to let it hang down, to keep it full, and not to cut it or shave it. It is not befitting for a person of reason to be deceived by those who shave or cut it, but rather the person of reason should be concerned with following the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and proceeding according to his methodology; because Allah says: [Al-Ahzab: 21]. So we must follow the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), and submit to his command, and beware of disobeying him (peace and blessings be upon him). And you, my brother, if you travel to Egypt, seek help from Allah and do not shave it ever, and be glad of well-being. The government only seeks out those who cause its problems, as for those who turn away from them, it will not harm them, if Allah wills. So you do not concern yourself with what does not concern you, and when you arrive in the country, engage in what benefits you of obedience to Allah and His Messenger, and earning lawful income, and what that man says will not harm you. Rather, be steadfast in letting it grow and hanging it down, and be glad of well-being: [Al-Talaq: 2] .. [Al-Talaq: 4].