Ruling on ordering students to shave their heads

Question:
The administrators of the scientific institutes order the students to shave their heads, and leaving the hair long is a recommended practice, so what is your comment on that?

Answer:
The command in this matter is broad. Shaving the head is not obligatory; the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to leave his hair long, and many of the Companions used to leave their hair long. Shaving is permissible, and leaving the hair long is prescribed in general. However, if those in charge of the institute did so for legitimate religious reasons—so that they would not be a temptation to women, or so that it would not become a means of temptation to women, or for reasons they saw to be in the student's interest—then there is nothing wrong with it. They are more knowledgeable about these matters. If they see benefits and see that this is in the interest, then he should comply, for this is part of obeying the rulers in what is right.