Answer

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatoh
 
At the outset, it is important to note that Shari’ah has accentuated and emphasised that men grow a Shar’i length beard. The beard was a hallmark of every Prophet that surfaced the earth and formed part of their attire. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) himself grew a beard. As faithful servants of Allah Ta’ala and followers of the Sunnah, we are bound by the rulings of Shari’ah. Shari’ah has laid great emphasis on growing the beard. In a number of Ahadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) has commanded us to grow the beard.
 
The Fuqahaa have ruled that it is wajib to grow a beard and shaving the beard is Haram. Shaving of the beard is such a repugnant and detestable act that the Fuqahaa have classified such a person as a Faasiq (Transgressor). Salat behind a Faasiq is Makruh- Tahrimi. (Ahsan Al-Fatawaa, vol 3, pg 260)
 
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) stated:
 
عن ابن عمر رضي الله عنهما قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم  انهكوا الشوارب وأعفوا اللحى
“Shorten the moustache and lengthen the beard” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, #5554)
 
عن أبى هريرة قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم جزوا الشوارب وأرخوا اللحى خالفوا المجوس
“Trim the moustache, allow the beard to grow and oppose the fire worshippers”
(Sahih Muslim, #622)
 
عن ابن عمر عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم أنه أمر بإحفاء الشوارب وإعفاء اللحية
“Ibn Umar (Radiyallaahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) used to command with shortening the moustache and lengthening the beard” (Sahih Muslim, #624)
 
The Fuqahaa have stated:
 
يحرم على الرجل قطع لحيته
“It is Haram for a man to cut his beard”
 (Al-Durr al-Mukhtar with Radd, vol 6, pg 407, HM Saeed)
 
أما الأخذ منها وهي دون ذلك كما يفعله بعض المغاربة  ومخنثة الرجال فلم يبحه أحد
“As for cutting (the beard) less than a fist length as the (Muslims) of the west do, no one has permitted it” (Radd Al-Muhtar, vol 2, pg 418, HM Saeed)
 
 
Alhamdulillah, our Ulama in South Africa have always highlighted the importance of keeping the beard. It is with this effort that there are so many people amongst the masses that keep the beard with great care and caution. The efforts of our Ulama are acknowledged by Ulama of the Arab world as well. Thus, it is our duty to preserve this teaching of Shari’ah and not destroy the efforts of our Ulama.
 
We are fortunate to have in our country Qurraa that are ardent followers of Shari’ah; who inwardly and outwardly are true displays of Shari’ah. Our communities are seeking sound and correct guidance. Surely, these Qurraa would be true guidance for them and excellent role models for their children. These are the type of Qurraa we need to revere and promote in our communities. A concerted effort should be made in this regard.  
 
In view of the above, we answer as follow:
 
1. It is difficult to accept that the Egyptian Quraa that visit our country are compelled to shave their beards. We have met with numerous Egyptians that have full grown beards.  Thus, the excuse presented by these Qurra does not seem convincing. 
 
2. It is Haram and impermissible to charge a fee for the recitation of Quran. It is reported that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Recite the Quran and do not make it a source of income”. (Nasb Al-Rayah, vol 4, pg 136, Muassasah Al-Rayyaan)
 
 Ibn Abideen (Rahimahullah) has stated: “It is not permissible to recite the Quran for anything of this world, (and if the Quran is recited for anything of this world) the giver and taker, both will be sinful”. (Radd Al-Muhtar, vol 2, pg 73, HM Saeed)
 
Ibn Abideen (Rahimahullah) has also stated: “Had it not been for the remuneration (given to the reciters of the Quran) they would have not recited Quran for the people, rather they have made the Quran a source of income and a means to amass the world”. (Radd Al-Muhtar, vol 6, pg 56, HM Saeed)
 
The Fuqahaa have clearly stated that to accept remuneration for any act of worship, whether it be for calling out the azaan, leading the daily salat, teaching Quran, reciting Quran etc is not permissible.(Al-Hidaya, part 2, pg 303, Shirka Ilmiyya / Al-Bahr, vol 8, pg 19, Rasheediyya)
 
However, due to necessity and need to preserve Deen, it was unanimously decided by the Fuqahaa that it would be permissible to remunerate the Imams of the masaajid, the muazzins, those engrossed in teaching etc for their services and time. However, at the same time they (Fuqahaa) had made it clear that it will not be permissible to remunerate someone for the mere recitation of the Quran. The reason presented by the Fuqahaa was that there was no need to remunerate them. (Radd Al-Muhtar, vol 6, pg 56, HM Saeed / Sharh Uquud, pg 13).  By them not reciting the Quran, no deficiency will occur in the preservation of the Quran, as they could instead teach the Quran for its preservation. If a Qari wishes to preserve the Quran by means of recitation, he could do so without charging a fee. Thus, it is incorrect for these Quraa to argue and justify their remuneration by analogy on the situation of the Imams of the Musjid. The Fuqahaa have clearly stated that it is not permissible to charge a fee for the recitation of Quran.
 
3. To allow a personality to address a Musjid congregation is a form of expressing honour and respect to such a person. Similarly, to allow a Qari to recite Quran before a congregation is a form of expressing honour and respect to such a Qari. It was the noble habit of Rasululluh (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) to honour the delegations that came to Madina Munawwarah. However, when the Persian delegation which consisted of two messengers of the Persian king Kisra had come to Madina Munawwarah, Rasululluh (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) did not honour them. Rather, Rasululluh (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) refused to turn a glance at them and turned his face away on account that they had shaven their beards. Thus, the similar situation we face with regards to clean shaven Quraa. We accept and acknowledge the spirit and love of Quran possessed by these Quraa. Indeed, Qari Abdul Basit was a great Qari.  However, as true followers of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam), we have to maintain the principles of Shari’ah and respect its rulings. We are governed by the laws of Allah Ta’ala and his Rasool (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam). The Fuqahaa have regarded the act of shaving the beard as a major sin and have regarded a clean shaven person as a Faasiq. (Aap Ke Masaail, vol 7, pg 87).
 
4. As a principle, we should respect these Quraa for their knowledge of Quran, but at the same time maintain and respect the principles and rulings of Shari’a. We have observed many negative consequences of honouring clean shaven Qurraa. Many people are beginning to question the Shar’i legitimacy of growing a beard. They claim that when such Qurraa don’t grow beards, then why is there so much of emphasis on growing a beard! As a result, the masses are confused with the attitude and teachings of their local Ulamaa and Muftis. They feel that the local Ulamaa and Muftis are extremists in their rulings and decisions.
 
Also, inviting and honouring such Qurraa will lead to inviting “suit and tie scholars” that have skills in eloquence of speech and presentation on Shari’a related issues.
Consider the negative consequences of such actions.
 
Furthermore, the issue is not about hosting such programmes at our Masaajid; instead these programmes should not be hosted at our Masaajid nor at any other venue in the town. Whoever hosts such programmes will be guilty of the sin of all the negative consequences following from such programmes. Allah Ta’ala mentions in the Quran:
وتعاونوا على البر والتقوى ولا تعاونوا على الإثم
“Help each other in righteousness and piety, and do not help each other in sin and aggression” (Sura Maaidah: 2)
 
This attitude will help us preserve our values of maintaining the Sunna of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) and protecting the masses from confusion. At the same time the teachings and rulings of our local ulama and Muftis would be respected and maintained. Yes, local Quraa that adhere to the Sunna deserve our full support and recognition.
 
And Allah knows best
Wassalam
Ml. Talha Desai,
Student Darul Iftaa
Checked and Approved by:
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In'aamiyyah