The beards and other traits of fitrah

Basic Information

Title: The Beard and Other Traits of Fitrah
Author: Shaykh Muhammad al-Jibaly
Language: English
Publisher: Al-Kitaab & As-Sunnah Publishing, USA
Length: Around 150–200 pages
Series: Part of The Muslim Home series by the author
Genre: Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and practical Sunnah guidance

About the Author

Shaykh Muhammad al-Jibaly is a respected contemporary scholar and teacher known for presenting authentic Islamic teachings in English for Western audiences. He studied under prominent scholars in Saudi Arabia, including Shaykh Ibn Baz and Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, and is well known for his works on family life, Islamic manners, and purification of the soul.

His writings emphasize strict adherence to Qur’an and authentic Sunnah, clarity of evidence, and avoidance of innovations or cultural distortions.

Purpose of the Book

The book examines the traits of fitrah (natural human disposition) mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — focusing especially on the beard, and explaining why these traits are not merely customs but acts of worship rooted in revelation.

The author’s goal is to:

• Revive neglected Sunnahs related to human grooming and natural purity.

• Refute misconceptions about the beard being “just a tradition.”

• Explain the religious, hygienic, and psychological wisdom behind these practices.

• Encourage Muslims to maintain their natural appearance as part of their obedience to Allah.

Structure and Content

The book is clearly organized, with evidence from Qur’an, authentic hadith, and scholarly consensus.

Main sections include:

1. Understanding Fitrah

   • Defines fitrah as the innate nature upon which Allah created humankind.

   • Explains that Islam’s teachings about personal grooming align perfectly with this natural disposition.

2. The Ten Acts of Fitrah

   • Discusses the hadith listing ten acts of fitrah, including:

     • Growing the beard

     • Trimming the mustache

     • Clipping the nails

     • Removing underarm and pubic hair

     • Performing circumcision

     • Using the miswak (tooth stick)

     • Cleaning the private parts

     • Rinsing the mouth and nostrils

     • Washing the finger joints

     • Maintaining personal cleanliness

3. The Beard — Its Religious Significance

   • Presents strong textual evidence that growing the beard is wajib (obligatory).

   • Explains the Prophet’s command: “Trim the mustaches and let the beards grow; be different from the polytheists.”

   • Details scholarly consensus from classical jurists of all four madhhabs that shaving the beard is impermissible.

   • Discusses the beard’s symbolic and spiritual value — a mark of Muslim identity and obedience to the Sunnah.

4. Refuting Misconceptions

   • Refutes claims that beard keeping is optional, cultural, or dependent on social norms.

   • Addresses arguments based on “neatness,” “modern appearance,” or “personal choice.”

   • Clarifies that true neatness is achieved by following the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ.

5. Other Traits of Fitrah

   • Explains the importance of cleanliness, oral hygiene, and modest appearance.

   • Emphasizes that these actions are not trivial — they complete one’s iman (faith) and are signs of spiritual discipline.

6. Practical Advice

   • Provides guidance for maintaining the beard and other traits properly.

   • Warns against exaggeration or neglect.

   • Encourages moderation and intention for Allah’s sake.

Style and Approach

• Evidence-based: Every ruling is supported by Qur’anic text or authentic hadith.

• Balanced: Firm in principle but avoids harshness, explaining wisdom and purpose.

• Educational: Includes notes, references, and explanations for students and general readers alike.

• Accessible language: Written in clear, fluent English for Muslims living in the West.

Key Messages

• The beard is a distinctive mark of Islamic identity and obedience to the Prophet ﷺ.

• The Sunnah of fitrah represents natural human beauty, hygiene, and moral discipline.

• Islam integrates external appearance and internal faith — both reflect submission to Allah.

• Abandoning the fitrah practices weakens spiritual awareness and blurs the distinction between believers and non-believers.

• Reviving the Sunnahs of fitrah strengthens both personal piety and the moral fabric of the Muslim community.

Significance

• It is among the most detailed English works on the topic of the beard and the fitrah.

• Widely used in Islamic study circles and personal reform programs.

• Serves as a reference for Muslims seeking authentic evidence for the rulings on natural grooming.

• Encourages revival of prophetic practices often neglected in modern lifestyles.

Strengths

• Authentically sourced and methodically structured.

• Clarifies common confusions with scholarly precision.

• Combines religious rulings with spiritual insight.

• Written by an author known for reliability and clarity in aqidah and fiqh.

Limitations

• The tone is unapologetically traditional; readers seeking more lenient or cultural interpretations may find it strict.

• It focuses primarily on men and does not explore wider social aspects of fitrah for women.

• Some sections are detailed in legal proofs and may feel advanced for casual readers.

Summary

The Beard and Other Traits of Fitrah by Shaykh Muhammad al-Jibaly is a clear, evidence-based explanation of the Prophet’s teachings on human natural disposition. It shows how keeping the beard, maintaining hygiene, and following the Sunnahs of fitrah are acts of worship that preserve both faith and dignity.

The book is both a spiritual reminder and a juridical study, encouraging Muslims to proudly uphold their natural identity and to embody the Prophet’s example in appearance, character, and daily life.